Process for isomerizing linear olefins to isoolefins

ABSTRACT

This invention provides a process to convert linear alkenes such as butene-1 and butene-2 to methyl branched chain alkenes such as isobutylene using one-dimensional, medium pore zeolite catalysts and similar type catalysts such as SAPO&#39;s and MeAPO&#39;s. The pore size for the catalyst should be greater than 0.42 nm and less than 0.7 nm, preferably with a larger dimension of between 0.5 and 0.6 nm. This pore size allows the branched chain alkenes to form and diffuse out of the catalyst while reducing the formation of unwanted by-products, including dimers, trimers, aromatics and coke. This invention has been demonstrated with H-ferrierite, SAPO-11, and magnesium mordenite in a laboratory scale reactor. Selectivities ranging from about 50% to almost 100% were demonstrated for isobutylene formation using H-ferrierite, at temperatures ranging from about 340° C. to about 440° C.

This application is a divisional of application Ser. No. 08/099,765, filed on Jul. 30, 1993, now copending which is a a continuation of prior application Ser. No. 07/874,335, filed Apr. 24, 1992 (abandoned), which is a continuation-in-part of Ser. No. 07/711,041, filed Jun. 5, 1991 (abandoned).

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to structural isomerization of linear olefins to methyl branched isoolefins using zeolite compositions as isomerizing catalysts.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Increasing demand for high octane gasoline blended with lower aliphatic alkyl ethers such as octane boosters and supplementary fuels has created a significant demand for isoalkylethers, especially the C₅ to C₇ methyl, ethyl and isopropyl-t-alkyl ethers. Consequently, there is an increasing demand for the corresponding isoalkene starting materials such as isobutene, isoamylenes and isohexenes.

In many instances, it is desirable to convert an alkene such as normal butene, to a methyl branched alkene, for example isobutylene, by mechanisms such as structural isomerization. Such converted isoalkenes then can be reacted further, such as by polymerization or oxidation, to form useful products. Normal alkenes containing four carbon atoms (1-butene, trans-2-butene and cis-2-butene) and five carbon atoms (1-pentene, trans-2-pentene, and cis-2-pentene) are relatively inexpensive starting compounds. Conventionally, butenes and amylenes, including to a minor extent isobutylene and isoamylene, are obtained as a by-product from refinery and petrochemical processes such as catalytic and thermal cracking units.

Zeolite materials, both natural and synthetic, are known to have catalytic properties for many hydrocarbon processes. Zeolites typically are ordered porous crystalline aluminosilicates having a definite structure with cavities interconnected by channels. The cavities and channels throughout the crystalline material generally can be of such a size to allow selective separation of hydrocarbons. Such a hydrocarbon separation by the crystalline aluminosilicates essentially depends on discrimination between molecular dimensions. Consequently, these materials in many instances are known in the art as "molecular sieves" and are used, in addition to catalytic properties, for certain selective adsorptive processes. Zeolite molecular sieves are discussed in great detail in D. W. Breck, Zeolite Molecular Sieves, Robert E. Krieger Publishing Company, Malabar, Fla. (1984).

Generally, the term "zeolite" includes a wide variety of both natural and synthetic positive ion-containing crystalline aluminosilicate materials, including molecular sieves. They generally are characterized as crystalline aluminosilicates which comprise networks of SiO₄ and AlO₄ tetrahedra in which silicon and aluminum atoms are cross-linked in a three-dimensional framework by sharing of oxygen atoms. This framework structure contains channels or interconnected voids that are occupied by cations, such as sodium, potassium, ammonium, hydrogen, magnesium, calcium, and water molecules. The water may be removed reversibly, such as by heating, which leaves a crystalline host structure available for catalytic activity. The term "zeolite" in this specification is not limited to crystalline aluminosilicates. The term as used herein also includes silicoaluminophosphates (SAPO), metal integrated aluminophosphates (MeAPO and ELAPO), metal integrated silicoaluminophosphates (MeAPSO and ELAPSO). The MeAPO, MeAPSO, ELAPO, and ELAPSO families have additional elements included in their framework. For example, Me represents the elements Co, Fe, Mg, Mn, or Zn, and El represents the elements Li, Be, Ga, Ge, As, or Ti. An alternative definition would be "zeolitic type molecular sieve" to encompass the materials useful for this invention.

Developments in the art have resulted in formation of many synthetic zeolitic crystalline materials. Crystalline aluminosilicates are the most prevalent and, as described in the patent literature and in the published journals, are designated by letters or other convenient symbols. Zeolites have been specifically named and described as Zeolite A (U.S. Pat. No. 2,882,243), Zeolite X (U.S. Pat. No. 2,882,244), Zeolite Y (U.S. Pat. No. 3,130,007), Zeolite ZSM-5 (U.S. Pat. No. 3,702,886), Zeolite ZSM-11 (U.S. Pat. No. 3,709,979), Zeolite ZSM-12 (U.S. Pat. No. 3,832,449), Zeolite ZSM-23 (U.S. Pat. No. 4,076,842), Zeolite ZSM-35 (U.S. Pat. No. 4,016,245), Zeolite ZSM-48 (U.S. Pat. No. 4,375,573), Zeolite NU-1 (U.S. Pat. No. 4,060,590) and others. Various ferrierite zeolites, including the hydrogen form of ferrierite, are described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,933,974, 4,000,248 and 4,942,007 and patents cited therein. SAPO-type catalysts are described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,440,871. MeAPO type catalysts are described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,544,143 and 4,567,029; ELAPO catalysts are described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,500,651, and ELAPSO catalysts are described in European Patent Application 159,624.

Up until now, catalysts for structurally isomerizing alkenes, particularly butene to isobutene, have utilized large pore zeolites having two or three-dimensional interconnecting channels, together with an associated catalytic metal such as platinum, palladium, boron or gallium. Continuing problems with present methods using such zeolites are coking of the catalyst pore spaces and undesirable by-product formation, in particular dimers, trimers and aromatics.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In the methods of this invention, a linear olefin is converted under isomerizing conditions to a methyl branched olefin using an isomerizing catalyst composition made up of a zeolite having only in one dimension a pore structure having a pore size small enough to retard by-products and retard the formation of coke and its precursors and large enough to permit entry of the linear olefin and diffusion of the isoolefin product. Generally, zeolites having a one dimensional pore structure with a pore size ranging from more than about 0.42 nm to less than about 0.7 nm are useful for the processes of this invention. Zeolites with this specified pore size are typically referred to as medium or intermediate pore zeolites and typically have a 10-member (or puckered 12-member) ring channel structure in one dimension and an 8-member or less (small pore) in the other dimensions, if any. For purposes of this invention, a one-dimensional pore structure is considered one in which the channels having the desired pore size do not interconnect with other channels of similar or larger dimensions; it may also be considered alternatively as a channel pore structure (see U.S. Pat. No. 3,864,283) or uni-directional sieve. Such one-dimensional, intermediate pore size catalyst compositions provide increased selectivity of the isomerization reaction, decreased dimer and trimer by-product formation, and decreased coking of the catalyst.

Zeolites that contain small pores (i.e., less than about 0.42 nm) do not allow for diffusion of the methyl branched isoolefin product, e.g., isobutylene; while zeolites that contain large pores (i.e., greater than about 0.7 nm) in any one dimension are subject to substantial by-product formation and coking. Coking is believed to be the result of oligmerization and polymerization, aromatization, or alkylation of the feed paraffin or olefin hydrocarbons. Zeolites of this invention should contain at least one pore dimension with the specified pore size. A two or three-dimensional pore structure having the specified pore size would permit substantial contact of the isomerizing olefins and thereby facilitate unwanted dimerization and trimerization reactions.

The processes of this invention are characterized by selectivities which range from about 50% to 99% over run lengths of 48 to 120 hours, and isoolefin yields of between about 25% to 40% at the beginning of a run and 12% to 40% at the end of run conditions. Under preferred conditions with temperatures at least about 370° C., selectivities generally exceed 70% over run lengths of 48 to 120 hours.

Lower temperatures, such as in the range of 340° C. to about 370° C. at WHSV of about 2 to about 5 hr⁻¹, and at atmospheric pressures, generally yield lower selectivities, but yet still provide unexpectedly good selectivities ranging from about 50% to 65% for run lengths of about 50 to about 70 hours.

Further, use of catalysts made with pressed zeolite powders of various silica to alumina ratios, without added binders, show dramatically improved yields over time as compared to similar catalysts made with binders.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a graph of isobutylene conversion and selectively versus run time illustrative of a process of this invention, utilizing an H-ferrierite catalyst at 440° C., WHSV of 7 hr⁻¹, and at about atmospheric pressure.

FIG. 2 is a graph of isobutylene yield versus run time illustrative of a process of this invention, utilizing an H-ferrierite catalyst at 440° C., WHSV of 7 hr⁻¹, and at about atmospheric pressure.

FIG. 3 is a graph of isobutylene conversion and selectivity versus run time illustrative of a process of this invention, utilizing an H-ferrierite catalyst, at 340° C., WHSV of 4.5 hr⁻¹, and at about atmospheric pressure.

FIG. 4 is a graph of isobutylene yield over run time illustrative of a process of this invention, utilizing an H-ferrierite catalyst, at 340° C., WHSV of 4.5 hr⁻¹, and at about atmospheric pressure.

FIG. 5 is a graph of isobutylene conversion and selectivity versus run time illustrative of a process of this invention, utilizing a pressed H-ferrierite powder catalyst, at 430° C., WHSV of 7 hr⁻¹, and 18.7 psia.

FIG. 6 is a graph of isobutylene yield over run time illustrative of a process of this invention, utilizing a pressed H-ferrierite powder catalyst, at 430° C., WHSV of 7 hr⁻¹, and 18.7 psia.

FIG. 7 is a schematic flow scheme of a process of this invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Hydrocarbon Feed Stream

The hydrocarbon feed useful for this invention comprises a substantially linear alkene. Typically, the linear alkene will contain four to ten carbon atoms. Also considered a linear alkene for purposes of this invention is a compound containing a linear alkene segment with four to ten carbon atoms. It is believed that long chain linear alkenes and compounds containing long chain linear segments may penetrate the zeolite catalyst for a distance effective to allow isomerization. Thus, the entire molecule need not be small enough to fit entirely within the pore structure of the catalyst. The preferred feed contains butylene or amylene.

As used herein, n-butylene includes all forms of n-butylene, for example 1-butene and 2-butene, either trans-2-butene or cis-2-butene, and mixtures thereof. As used herein, n-amylene or n-pentene, includes 1-pentene, cis- or trans-2-pentene, or mixtures thereof. The n-butylene or n-amylene used in the processes of this invention is generally in the presence of other substances such as other hydrocarbons. Thus, a feedstream used in the process of the invention containing n-butylene or n-amylene also can contain other hydrocarbons such as alkanes, other olefins, aromatics, hydrogen, and inert gases. Typically, the n-butenc feedstream used in this invention contains about 40 to about 100 wt. % n-butene. For example, a hydrocarbon feedstream from a fluid catalytic cracking effluent stream generally contains about 40 to about 60 wt. % normal butene and a hydrocarbon effluent from an ether processing unit, such as a methyl-tert-butyl ether (MTBE) processing unit generally containing from 40 to about 100 wt. % n-butylene.

As used herein, the term "alkene" can be alternatively referred to as "olefin"; the term "linear" can be alternatively referred to as "normal"; and the term "isoolefin" can be alternatively referred to as "methyl branched isoolefin." Similarly, butene and butylene refer to the same four carbon alkene; and pentene and amylene refer to the same five carbon alkene.

Isomerizing Catalyst

The zeolite catalyst useful in the proc esses of this invention comprises a zeolite having one-dimensional pore structures with a pore size ranging from greater than about 0.42 nm and less than about 0.7 nm. The zeolite catalyst preferably comprises substantially only zeolites with the specified pore size in one dimension. Zeolites having pore sizes greater than 0.7 nm are susceptible to unwanted aromatization, oligimerization, alkylation, coking and by-product formation. Further, two or three-dimensional zeolites having a pore size greater than 0.42 nm in two or more dimensions permit dimerization and trimerization of the alkene. Hence, zeolites having a pore diameter bigger than about 0.7 nm in any dimension or having a two or three-dimensional pore structure in which any two of the dimensions has a pore size greater than about 0.42 nm are excluded as part of this invention.

Examples of zeolites that can be used in the processes of this invention, which have one-dimensional pore structures with a pore size bet ween about 0.42 nm and 0.7 nm, include the hydrogen form of ferrierite, SAPO-11, SAPO-31, SAPO-41, FU-9, NU-23, NU-10, ZSM-12, ZSM-22, ZSM-23, ZSM-35, ZSM-48, ZSM-50, MeAPO-11, MeAPO-31, MeAPO-41, MeAPSO-11, MeAPSO 31, and MeAPSO-41, ELAPO-11, ELAPO-31, ELAPO-41, ELAPSO-11, ELAPSO-31, and ELAPSO-41, laumontite, clinoptilolite, cancrinite, offretite, hydrogen form of heulindite, hydrogen form of stilbite, and the magnesium or calcium form of mordenite. The isotypic structures of these frameworks, known under other names, are considered to be equivalent. An overview describing the framework compositions of many of these zeolites is provided in New Developments in Zeolite Science Technology, "Aluminophosphate Molecular Sieves and the Periodic Table," Hanigen et al. (Kodansha Ltd., Tokyo, Japan 1986).

Many natural zeolites such as ferrierite, heulindite and stilbite feature a one-dimensional pore structure with a pore size slightly smaller than the desired 0.42 nm diameter. These same zeolites can be converted to zeolites with larger pore sizes by removing the associated alkali metal or alkaline earth metal by methods known in the art, such as ammonium ion exchange, optionally followed by calcination, to yield the zeolite in its hydrogen form. See e.g., U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,795,623 and 4,942,027 incorporated herein by reference. Replacing the associated alkali or alkaline earth metal with the hydrogen form correspondingly enlarges the pore diameter. It is understood that the pore diameter or "size" shall mean the effective pore diameter or size for diffusion. Alternatively, natural zeolites with too large a pore size, such as mordenite, can be altered by substituting the alkali metal with larger ions, such as larger alkaline earth metals to reduce the pore size and thus become useful for the processes of this invention.

Exemplary of zeolites that are not useful for the processes of this invention include ZSM-5, erionite, zeolite Y, hydrogen form of mordenite, and faujasite.

The zeolite catalyst used in the isomerization processes of this invention can be used alone or suitably combined with a refractory oxide that serves as a binder material. Suitable refractory oxides include natural clays, such as bentonite, montmorillonite, attapulgite, and kaolin; alumina; silica; silica-alumina; hydrated alumina; titania; zirconia and mixtures thereof. The weight ratio of binder material and zeolite suitably ranges from 1:9.5 to 9:1, preferably 1:4.

Catalytic compositions comprising the crystalline zeolite material of the invention and a suitable binder material can be formed by blending a finely divided crystalline zeolite with a binder material. The resulting mixture is thoroughly blended and mulled typically by adding water and/or a volatizable acidic material such as nitric acid or acetic acid. The resulting gel can be dried and calcined, for example, at temperatures between about 450° C. and 550° C., preferably between about 500° C. and 520° C., to form a composition in which the crystalline zeolite is distributed throughout the matrix of binder material. Additionally, the catalyst composition can be extruded to form pellets, cylinders, or rings, or shaped into spheres, wagon wheels or polylobe structures.

H-Ferrierite Catalyst

H-ferrierite is the preferred zeolite catalyst for use in the isomerization processes of this invention. H-ferrierite is derived from ferrierite, a naturally occurring zeolite mineral having a composition varying somewhat with the particular source. A typical elemental composition of ferrierite is

    Na.sub.2 Mg.sub.2 [Al.sub.6 Si.sub.30 O.sub.72 ]·18H.sub.2 O.

The prominent structural features of ferrierite found by x-ray crystallography are parallel channels in the alumino-silicate framework. These channels, which are roughly elliptical in cross-section, are of two sizes: larger channels having major and minor axes of 5.4 and 4.2 Å, respectively, and smaller parallel channels having major and minor axes of 4.8 and 3.5 Å, respectively. Conversion of ferrierite to its hydrogen form, H-ferrierite, replaces sodium cations with hydrogen ions in the crystal structure. Both the alkali metal and hydrogen forms reject multiple branched chain and cyclic hydrocarbon molecules and retard coke formation. According to the purposes of this invention, H-ferrierite is considered to be comprised substantially of a one-dimensional pore structure having an elliptical pore size (greater than 0.54 nm and greater than 0.42 nm) large enough to permit entry of the linear olefin and diffusion of the methyl branched isoolefin and small enough to retard coke formation. The one-dimensional feature is satisfied because there are no other interconnecting channels which have diameters similar to or greater than the primary (greater than 0.54 nm and greater than 0.42 nm) channel.

Various methods are provided which teach procedures for preparing H-ferrierite, including U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,251,499, 4,795,623 and 4,942,027, incorporated herein by reference. In making the H-ferrierite, the H-ferrierite will typically have a silica (SiO₂):alumina (Al₂ O₃) molar ratio of greater than about 5:1, suitably have a ratio of between 5:1 and 500:1, desirably have a ratio between about 5:1 and about 300:1 and preferably have a ratio of between about 10:1 and about 100:1.

H-Ferrierite Catalyst No. 1

A hydrogen exchanged ferrierite powder with a molar silica (SiO₂) to alumina (Al₂ O₃) ratio of about 19, a sodium content less than 0.01 wt. % and a surface area of 420 square meters/gram was used to prepare the catalyst. The framework of this zeolite contained both 8 and 10 T-atom rings arranged as described on pages 64 and 65, of the book "Atlas of Zeolite Structure Types" by W. M. Meier and D. H. Olson, Butterworths, 2nd Edition, 1987. The pore dimensions of the 8 and 10 T-atom rings in this H-ferrierite are slightly larger than 3.5 Å×4.8 Å and 4.2 Å×5.4 Å, respectively. Not including the microporosity of the zeolite, the finished catalyst pore size distribution by mercury intrusion was bi-modal in nature with peaks at approximately 35 and 1150 angstroms. This H-ferrierite powder was extruded with alumina and calcined at 500° C. to produce 1/16" cylinders of a H-ferrierite catalyst with the following measured physical properties.

    ______________________________________                                         Loss On Ignition @ 1100° C.                                                                    6.7    wt %                                               SiO.sub.2 (anhydrous w/o binder) 91.7 wt %                                     Al.sub.2 O.sub.3 (anhydrous w/o binder) 8.5 wt %                               Na.sub.2 O 0.01 wt %                                                           CaO 0.01 wt %                                                                  MgO 0.01 wt %                                                                  Fe.sub.2 O.sub.3 0.05 wt %                                                     Compacted Bulk Density 40 lb/ft.sup.3                                          (finished catalyst)                                                            Surface Area 420 m.sup.2 /gram                                                 (zeolite powder, P/Po)                                                         Surface Area 376 m.sup.2 /gram                                                 (finished catalyst)                                                            Binder 20 wt %                                                               ______________________________________                                    

H-Ferrierite Catalyst No. 2

The H-ferrierite powder as described above (SiO₂ /Al₂ O₃ =19), without added binder, was pressed, crushed and sieved into 6-20 mesh particles. The particles were then calcined for two hours at 500° C. to produce a catalyst with the measured physical properties listed in Table 1.

H-Ferrierite Catalyst No. 3

Hydrogen exchanged ferrierite with a molar silica to alumina ratio of 42 (SiO₂ /Al₂ O₃ =42), was pressed, crushed and sieved into 6-20 mesh particles. The particles were then calcined for two hours at 500° C. to produce a catalyst with the measured physical properties listed in Table 1.

H-Ferrierite Catalyst No. 4

Hydrogen exchanged ferrierite with a molar silica to alumina ratio of 87 (SiO₂ /Al₂ O₃ =87), was pressed, crushed and sieved into 6-20 mesh particles. The particles were then calcined for two hours at 500° C. to produce a catalyst with the measured physical properties listed in Table 1.

H-Ferrierite Catalyst No. 5

Potassium/Sodium ferrierite with a molar silica to alumina ratio of 16 (SiO₂ /Al₂ O₃ =16) was obtained from TOSOH Corporation. The K/Na-ferrierite was converted into the ammonium form by ammonium ion exchange. After washing and drying, the NH₄ -ferrierite powder was pressed, crushed and sieved into 6-20 mesh particles. The particles were then calcined for two hours at 500° C.

H-Ferrierite Catalyst No. 6

H-ferrierite catalyst powder (SiO₂ /Al₂ O₃ =19) as described above was combined with 20 wt. % silica binder (silica grade 951 obtained from W.R. Grace Co.). The mixture was pressed, crushed and sieved into 6-20 mesh particles. The resulting particles exhibited a higher crush strength than the pressed zeolite material alone, i.e., H-ferrierite catalyst No. 2.

                  TABLE 1                                                          ______________________________________                                         PHYSICAL PROPERTIES OF THE                                                       CATALYSTS NO. 1 THROUGH 6                                                                  1      2      3    4    5    6                                   ______________________________________                                         H-Ferrierite  19     19      42   87   16  19                                    SiO.sub.2 /Al.sub.2 O.sub.3                                                    Sodium (ppm) 42 32 700 300 150 83                                              Surface Area (m.sup.2 /g) 376  404  222 326 323 415                            Binder Content (wt. %) 20  0  0  0 0 20                                      ______________________________________                                    

Isomerizing Conditions

In the processes of this invention, a hydrocarbon stream comprising a linear olefin is contacted with the catalytic zeolite under isomerizing conditions. Generally, in the processes of this invention, the hydrocarbon stream is contacted with the above-described zeolite catalyst in a vapor phase at a suitable reaction temperature, pressure and space velocity. Generally, suitable reaction conditions include a temperature of about 250° C. to about 650° C., more typically from about 340° C. to about 600° C., an olefin partial pressure of above about 0.5 atmosphere, and a total pressure of about 0.5 to about 10.0 atmospheres or higher, a hydrogen/hydrocarbon molar ratio of 0 to about 30 or higher, substantially free of water (i.e., less than about 2.0 wt % of the feed), and a hydrocarbon weight hourly space velocity (WHSV) of about 1.0 to about 50 hr⁻¹. The hydrogen can be added directly to the feed stream prior to introduction of the isomerization zone, or the hydrogen can be added directly to the isomerization zone. In a typical process scheme, an olefin-containing hydrocarbon vapor stream is contacted with such catalyst in a reactor at about 340° C. to about 475° C., at an olefin partial pressure of about 10 psia to about 20 psia and a total pressure of about 15 to about 30 psia, without added hydrogen, and at a hydrocarbon based WHSV of about 2 to about 28 hr⁻¹. Preferred isomerizing conditions are carried out at a temperature of between about 370° C. to 440° C., at atmospheric pressures, and a hydrocarbon based WHSV of between about 7 to about 15 hr⁻¹.

The process according to the present invention can be carried out in a packed bed reactor, a fixed bed, fluidized bed reactor or a moving bed reactor. The bed of the catalyst can move upward or downward.

During the process, some coke will be formed on the catalyst. Therefore, it is advantageous to regenerate the catalyst. The catalyst can be regenerated by subjecting it to heat treatment with air, nitrogen/oxygen gas mixture, or hydrogen. A continuous regeneration, similar to the regeneration carried out in a fluidized catalytic cracking process may be useful.

The performance of the zeolite catalyst can be affected by controlling the water content in the catalyst. Water content of the catalyst can be adjusted by methods such as adding water to the feed or by directly adding water to the reactor. Calcination conditions will also affect the water content of the catalyst. These methods are referred to as controlled hydration of the catalyst.

Description of the Testing Apparatus

The laboratory pilot unit was a semi-automated unit that can control flow, temperature, and pressure. It can also collect samples for analysis and record process variable data. The process variable data was collected with an analog to digital (A to D) input/output converter. The A to D converter was connected to a personal computer (PC) which runs a process control software package. This software package allowed the operator to monitor the process variable data and control the unit using proportional/integral/deri-vative (PID) control blocks for flow and pressure. It also archived the process variable data on magnetic media.

The pilot reactor occupied three separate hoods: The feed hood contained the feed system where the feed was stored in a five-gallon cylinder. The feed tank rested on a load cell that was used to monitor the weight of the feed cylinder. The feed tank was pressurized with a 60-80 psig nitrogen blanket. This nitrogen pressure fed the hydrocarbon feed containing butylenes to the system. The feed flow rate was controlled by PID control block in the process control software. This control block consisted of two flow meters, an instrument to pneumatic signal converter, and a flow control valve located downstream of the flow meters. The two flow meters were used independently and were calibrated for different flow rate ranges. The feed system also had an additional connection for bottled gas addition or water injection with the feed.

The reactor hood contained the reactor and heating furnace. The reactor was a 2 inch o.d. and 1.6 inch i.d. stainless steel pipe with 2-inch flanges welded to each end. The pipe also had 1/4 inch feed and effluent lines welded on 6 inches from the bottom and top of the reactor respectively. The top sealing flange was fitted with a pressure gauge and rupture disk. The bottom sealing flange had a thermocouple well welded directly in the center of the flange that extends up through the middle of the reactor pipe when attached. The thermocouple well was a 1/2 inch stainless steel tube welded shut at one end and contained eight or more thermocouple points. The reactor pipe was enclosed with a Lindberg three foot heating furnace containing three heating zones but only the bottom zone was used to preheat the butylene feed to the reaction section. The furnace was controlled by three controllers comprising a PID control block for monitoring and controlling the temperature inside the reactor at each zone. Located on the effluent line was tubing and equipment for the sampling system. The sampling system included an air actuated valve and a steam traced line of helium that carried the sample to the gas chromatograph (GC) for direct injection.

The product hood contained the effluent cooler, the condensables collection tank, and the effluent pressure transmitter. The effluent condenser consisted of a coiled tube that contained the effluent line as the inner tube. Cooling water flowed through the outer tube to cool the effluent containing inner tube. Downstream of the condenser was the 5 gallon condensables collection tank. The effluent pressure was controlled by a PID control block in the process control software. This control block consisted of a pressure transducer (located upstream of the condenser), an instrument to pneumatic signal converter, and a pressure control valve (located downstream of the collection tank). A vent for the noncondensables was located downstream of the pressure valve.

For the pentene isomerization examples, 1-pentene was pressurized with nitrogen in a 4-liter feed tank to about 60 psig and then fed to reactor consisting of a stainless steel tube with inside diameter of 1 inch. Flow to the reactor was controlled with a mass flow controller, positive-displacement flow meter and control valve. The outside of the reactor was heated with three Glas-Col heating mantles with corresponding temperature controllers. Feed was introduced into the top of the reactor through 1/4 inch feed lines with tubing connections. A thermowell in the bottom of the reactor contained six thermocouples to measure temperature at various points in the reactor.

A refrigerated circulating bath with shell and tube heat exchanger was used to condense the vapors from the reactor at atmospheric pressure. During sample collection, liquid samples are collected in a cooled 1-liter stainless steel sample bomb and then analyzed on an external gas chromatograph with alumina plot column. Small amounts of gaseous product were vented through a small bubble meter used to monitor flow. Samples of this gaseous product were collected in gas sample bags, analyzed and included in the final product analysis.

The liquid reaction products were analyzed using a Sigma gas chromatograph through a J&W alumina-plot column utilizing a flame ionization detector. Gaseous samples were analyzed using a Hach gas chromatograph through a multi-column system utilizing both a thermal conductivity detector and flame ionization detector.

Testing Procedure

The reactor was first loaded with an inert packing material in the preheating zone. The inert packing materials used were either a small mesh corundum or inert clay catalyst support balls. The inert bed depth varied depending on the thermocouple points the catalyst was to occupy. A typical loading depth was about 30 inches of inert material. Above the packing material a weighed amount of catalyst is added to coincide with thermocouple points for reading temperature during the experiment. The amount of catalyst used for the test varied depending on the weight hourly space velocity desired and the flow rates attainable with our equipment. A typical loading consisted of 97 grams of catalyst which corresponded to a loading of about 4 inches in the reactor. Above the catalyst another layer of packing material was added to form a distinct zone of catalyst.

Two different feed streams were used during the screening. One feed stream used was an MTBE processing effluent and comprised about 30-50% butene-2, 25-45% butene-1, and 20-30% n-butane. The other feed stream used for testing comprised about 90% butene-2 and 9% butene-1 (termed herein "butylenes feed").

Testing began by warming up the reactor to a minimum operating temperature usually greater than 200° C. The warming step was performed under a nitrogen purge of approximately 15-50 psia. Once the reactor was warmed, the flow control valve was opened to introduce feed to the reactor, and the nitrogen purge was turned off. WHSVs varied from 1 to 30 during the testing. The operating temperatures used for the testing varied in a range from 200° C. to 550° C. and depended on many factors, including the activity of the catalyst. The pressures used during the testing varied in response to restriction from the catalyst and reactor. Most all of the testing was performed with the pressure control valve open to the atmosphere. The recorded values of the effluent pressure, however, were in a range of about 15-45 psia.

Samples of the reactor effluent were manually sampled using the sampling system and gas chromatography. Sampling was performed manually rather than on an automatic specific time interval in order to have specific operating conditions for the process variables. The analysis was performed with a boiling point separation column or an alumina column.

Many different techniques were attempted to regenerate the catalysts. One technique was to burn the "coke" off the catalyst by putting a weighed amount in the muffle furnace at about 500° C. to 550° C. for approximately 12 hours. In situ catalyst regeneration was also successful. Both methods restored catalyst activity.

The testing procedure for the n-pentene stream was essentially the same as for the n-butene stream, except that flow through the reactor was from the top down with the following additional differences:

1. The catalyst extrudate was diluted with alundum available fron Norton.

2. Typical loadings included 3 inches of 5 mm diameter glass beads at the bottom of the reactor. Next was loaded 3 inches of 3 mm glass beads. A mixture containing catalyst extrudate diluted to 240 cc with alundum was then loaded on top of the 3 mm glass beads to a depth of 21 inches. Last was loaded 12 inches of alundum on top

3. The catalyst was dried under flowing nitrogen at 400° C. for 8 to 10 hours to remove moisture prior to introduction of pentene to the reactor.

4. During the experimental runs, the various reaction parameters such as temperatures, pressure and pentene feed rate were monitored and recorded by an Apple computer system with ISAAC interface.

Calculations

Conversion and selectivity are calculated for each sample during testing runs and used for comparison of the various catalysts. It is believed that during the isomerization an equilibrium is achieved between butene-1 and trans and cis butene-2. Therefore the calculation of conversion and selectivity reflect the feed (FD) and effluent (EFF) concentrations of butene-1 (B1) and butene-2 (B2) and isobutylene (IB1). Conversion is calculated as: ##EQU1## selectivity is calculated as: ##EQU2## and yield is calculated as ##EQU3##

EXAMPLE 1

    ______________________________________                                         CATALYST:          H-FERRIERITE NO. 1                                            CATALYST CHARGE: 400 grams                                                     PRESSURE: 15-17 psia                                                           WHSV: 2                                                                      CONDITIONS &                                                                              FEED    EFF @   EFF @  EFF @ EFF @                                    COMPONENTS wt % 1 HR 5.6 HRS 16 HRS 36 HRS                                     INLET                                                                          TEMPERATURE  370° C. 295° C. 255° C. 319°        ______________________________________                                                                                 C.                                     METHANE    0.00    0.08    0.00   0.00  0.00                                     ETHANE 0.01 0.13 0.01 0.01 0.01                                                ETHYLENE 1.17 0.20 0.17 0.33 0.25                                              PROPANE 0.00 3.14 0.08 0.03 0.10                                               CYCLO PROPANE 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00                                         PROPYLENE 0.15 2.02 0.69 0.52 0.95                                             ISO-BUTANE 0.01 1.18 0.17 0.06 0.17                                            N-BUTANE 0.09 4.97 1.50 1.11 1.54                                              METHYL CYC- 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00                                           PROPANE                                                                        TRANS 2-BUTENE 57.67 3.46 10.95 20.17 10.43                                    BUTENE-1 11.37 1.45 3.56 7.84 4.52                                             ISOBUTYLENE 0.02 7.69 16.10 12.57 19.50                                        CIS 2-BUTENE 29.45 2.38 7.45 14.21 7.17                                        1,3 BUTADIENE 0.01 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00                                         HEAVIES (C5+) 0.05 73.30 59.32 43.15 55.36                                   ______________________________________                                    

EXAMPLE 2

    ______________________________________                                         CATALYST:          H-FERRIERITE NO. 1                                            CATALYST CHARGE: 400 grams                                                     PRESSURE: 15-17 psia                                                         CONDITIONS &                                                                               FEED    EFF @   EFF @ EFF @ EFF @                                    COMPONENTS wt % 9 HRS 21 HRS 31 HRS 49 HRS                                     INLET                                                                          TEMPERATURE  295° C. 350° C. 274° C. 161°                                                C.                                       WHSV  3 8 4 15                                                               ______________________________________                                         METHANE     0.00    0.00    0.01  0.00  0.07                                     ETHANE 0.01 0.01 0.02 0.01 0.12                                                ETHYLENE 1.17 0.22 0.28 0.46 0.84                                              PROPANE 0.00 0.07 0.15 0.03 0.64                                               CYCLO PROPANE 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00                                         PROPYLENE 0.15 0.69 1.31 0.41 3.66                                             ISO-BUTANE 0.01 0.13 0.17 0.07 0.55                                            N-BUTANE 0.09 1.24 1.42 0.97 3.08                                              CH.sub.3 CYC-PROPANE 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00                                  TRANS 2-BUTENE 57.67 12.49 9.74 23.13 18.58                                    BUTENE-1 11.37 4.43 4.13 8.86 10.21                                            ISOBUTYLENE 0.02 14.83 17.94 11.29 26.95                                       CIS 2-BUTENE 29.45 8.65 6.89 15.72 13.69                                       1,3 BUTADIENE 0.01 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.05                                         HEAVIES (C5+) 0.05 57.24 57.94 39.05 21.56                                   ______________________________________                                    

EXAMPLE 3

    __________________________________________________________________________     CATALYST:            H-FERRIERITE NO. 1                                          CATALYST CHARGE: 96 grams                                                      PRESSURE: 15-17 psia                                                           WHSV: 15                                                                     CONDITIONS &                                                                               FEED                                                                               EFF @                                                                              EFF @                                                                              EFF @                                                                              EFF @                                                                              EFF @                                            COMPONENTS wt % 2 HRS 12 HRS 24 HRS 31 HRS 39 HRS                            __________________________________________________________________________       INLET TEMPERATURE  251° C. 319° C. 371° C.                                              372° C. 371° C.                    METHANE 0.00 0.00 0.01 0.00 0.00 0.00                                          ETHANE 0.01 0.01 0.02 0.01 0.01 0.01                                           ETHYLENE 1.17 0.60 0.72 0.55 0.80 0.84                                         PROPANE 0.00 0.04 0.09 0.03 0.02 0.01                                          CYCLO PROPANE 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00                                    PROPYLENE 0.15 0.19 1.25 0.81 0.70 0.57                                        ISO-BUTANE 0.01 0.02 0.12 0.06 0.03 0.02                                       N-BUTANE 0.09 0.47 1.22 0.86 0.72 0.55                                         METHYL CYC-PROPANE 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.01 0.04 0.02                               TRANS 2-BUTENE 57.67 40.93 20.76 26.05 28.33 32.28                             BUTENE-1 11.37 17.60 9.59 13.95 14.14 16.47                                    ISOBUTYLENE 0.02 2.65 23.53 31.89 26.97 21.72                                  CIS 2-BUTENE 29.45 26.20 14.67 18.23 20.15 23.48                               1,3 BUTADIENE 0.01 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00                                    HEAVIES (C5+) 0.05 11.29 28.02 7.55 8.09 4.03                                __________________________________________________________________________

EXAMPLE 4

The operating conditions for the next experimental run are as follows:

    ______________________________________                                         CATALYST:           H-Ferrierite No. 1                                           FEED: Butylenes                                                                CATALYST WT.: 97 grams                                                         RUNTIME HOURS: 180 hrs.                                                        INLET TEMPS.: 310°-420° C.                                       WHSVs: 15                                                                      PRESSURE: 18 psia avg.                                                         CONVERSION: 26.6%                                                              SELECTIVITY: 70.1%                                                           ______________________________________                                    

For this experimental run, 97.7 grams of fresh catalyst was loaded in the reactor. During this experimental run hydrogen gas was added to the feed via the auxiliary feed line for 8-20 hours periodically over the 180 hour run time. The hydrogen was added to the feed in an attempt to decrease "coking". The gasoline went from pale green to near water white in appearance in contrast to the pale green gasoline produced in runs without hydrogen.

EXAMPLE 5

For this experiment, a sample of "coked" hydrogen ferrierite No. 1 was placed in the muffle furnace for about 12 hours at 500° C. in order to regenerate the catalyst by burning off the "coke". The catalyst returned from the regeneration with a white color similar to the original material. The catalyst sample was loaded into the reactor and charged with a butylene stream.

    __________________________________________________________________________     CATALYST:       H-FERRIERITE NO. 1 (REGENERATED)                                 CATALYST CHARGE: 97.70 grams                                                   PRESSURE: 17-24 psia                                                           WHSV: 15                                                                                     EFF @                                                                              EFF @                                                                              EFF @                                                                              EFF @                                                                              EFF @                                            CONDITIONS & FEED 2 HRS 12 HRS 24 HRS 48 HRS 67 HRS                            COMPONENTS wt % wt % wt % wt % wt % wt %                                     __________________________________________________________________________       INLET TEMPERATURE  390° C. 402° C. 398° C.                                              405° C. 400° C.                    (C.)                                                                           METHANE 0.00 0.02 0.01 0.00 0.03 0.00                                          ETHANE 0.01 0.04 0.01 0.01 0.00 0.01                                           ETHYLENE 0.86 0.07 0.63 0.67 0.02 0.87                                         PROPANE 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.01 0.01                                          CYCLO PROPANE 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00                                    PROPYLENE 0.12 2.67 1.21 0.77 0.36 0.54                                        ISO-BUTANE 0.00 0.25 0.08 0.05 0.02 0.06                                       N-BUTANE 0.04 1.91 1.07 0.79 0.48 0.82                                         METHYL CYC-PROPANE 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00                               TRANS 2-BUTENE 57.88 18.75 24.12 27.83 32.56 36.09                             BUTENE-1 10.74 9.70 12.72 13.89 18.68 21.07                                    ISOBUTYLENE 0.00 34.14 34.70 30.62 21.05 12.73                                 CIS 2-BUTENE 30.26 13.78 17.46 20.02 23.84 25.99                               1,3 BUTADIENE 0.01 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00                                    HEAVIES (C5+) 0.08 18.68 7.99 5.34 2.95 1.81                                 __________________________________________________________________________

The following Examples 6-20 and 23 feature data illustrating isobutylene conversion using an MTBE processing effluent feed. Examples 21, 22, and 24-26 illustrate other isobutylene conversions using butylenes feeds and different catalysts. The testing apparatus and procedure were the same as described above.

EXAMPLE 6

    __________________________________________________________________________              CATALYST:           H-FERRIERITE NO. 1                                  CATALYST CHARGE: 97.70 grams                                                   PRESSURE: 17-18 psia                                                           INLET TEMPERATURE: 390° C.                                              WHSV: 14                                                                                 INITIAL                                                                             INITIAL                                                                             FEED @                                                                              EFF @                                                                              FEED @                                                                              EFF @                                                                              FEED @                                                                              EFF @                                FEED EFF 12 HRS 12 HRS 24 HRS 24 HRS 48 HRS 48 HRS                            COMPONENTS wt % wt % wt % wt % wt % wt % wt % wt %                           __________________________________________________________________________       METHANE 0.08 0.06 0.08 0.05 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.00                                ETHANE 0.00 0.02 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00                                 ETHYLENE 0.00 0.05 0.00 0.01 0.00 0.01 0.00 0.00                               PROPANE 0.00 0.06 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00                                CYCLO PROPANE 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.01 0.00 0.01                          PROPYLENE 0.00 0.77 0.00 0.33 0.00 0.26 0.00 0.15                              ISO-BUTANE 2.89 2.75 2.90 2.80 3.15 3.04 3.14 3.02                             N-BUTANE 25.98 25.49 25.99 26.20 19.95 20.11 19.88 20.05                       METHYL CYC-PROPANE 0.06 0.16 0.05 0.16 0.07 0.17 0.07 0.17                     TRANS 2-BUTENE 24.38 18.16 24.39 21.54 16.54 25.00 16.46 28.09                 BUTENE-1 28.31 9.90 28.29 12.01 49.00 14.41 49.19 16.10                        ISOBUTYLENE 0.24 20.66 0.23 17.64 0.26 15.77 0.25 10.61                        CIS 2-BUTENE 17.90 13.12 17.88 15.32 10.78 18.16 10.74 20.40                   1,3 BUTADIENE 0.00 0.01 0.00 0.01 0.07 0.01 0.08 0.01                          HEAVIES (C5+) 0.17 8.80 0.17 3.94 0.18 3.04 0.17 1.39                        __________________________________________________________________________

EXAMPLE 7

    __________________________________________________________________________              CATALYST:           H-FERRIERITE NO. 1                                  CATALYST CHARGE: 97.70 grams                                                   PRESSURE: 17 psia                                                              INLET TEMPERATURE: 400° C.                                              WHSV: 14                                                                                 INITIAL                                                                             INITIAL                                                                             FEED @                                                                              EFF @                                                                              FEED @                                                                              EFF @                                                                              FEED @                                                                              EFF @                                FEED EFF 12 HRS 12 HRS 24 HRS 24 HRS 48 HRS 48 HRS                            COMPONENTS wt % wt % wt % wt % wt % wt % wt % wt %                           __________________________________________________________________________       METHANE 0.00 0.07 0.00 0.01 0.01 0.02 0.01 0.01                                ETHANE 0.00 0.05 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00                                 ETHYLENE 0.01 0.26 0.01 0.02 0.00 0.01 0.00 0.00                               PROPANE 0.00 0.27 0.00 0.02 0.00 0.01 0.00 0.00                                CYCLO PROPANE 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00                          PROPYLENE 0.00 2.51 0.00 0.53 0.00 0.48 0.00 0.27                              ISO-BUTANE 3.41 3.84 3.41 2.77 3.49 3.34 3.38 3.31                             N-BUTANE 21.81 23.88 21.81 20.55 22.00 22.45 22.15 22.52                       METHYL CYC-PROPANE 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00                     TRANS 2-BUTENE 17.68 15.47 17.68 18.08 17.47 22.66 17.24 26.06                 BUTENE-1 43.69 7.56 43.69 8.43 43.87 10.45 43.83 12.12                         ISOBUTYLENE 0.41 27.92 0.41 20.21 0.35 20.23 0.44 14.95                        CIS 2-BUTENE 12.67 10.84 12.67 12.92 12.51 15.93 12.67 18.22                   1,3 BUTADIENE 0.02 0.00 0.02 0.00 0.01 0.00 0.02 0.00                          HEAVIES (C5+) 0.29 7.31 0.29 17.39 0.29 4.42 0.27 2.54                       __________________________________________________________________________

EXAMPLE 8

    __________________________________________________________________________              CATALYST:           H-FERRIERITE NO. 1                                  CATALYST CHARGE: 97.70 grams                                                   PRESSURE: 17-22 psia                                                           INLET TEMPERATURE: 410° C.                                              WHSV: 14                                                                                 INITIAL                                                                             INITIAL                                                                             FEED @                                                                              EFF @                                                                              FEED @                                                                              EFF @                                                                              FEED @                                                                              EFF @                                FEED EFF 12 HRS 12 HRS 24 HRS 24 HRS 48 HRS 48 HRS                            COMPONENTS wt % wt % wt % wt % wt % wt % wt % wt %                           __________________________________________________________________________       METHANE 0.11 0.08 0.08 0.05 0.08 0.02 0.05 0.02                                ETHANE 0.00 0.01 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00                                 ETHYLENE 0.00 0.04 0.00 0.02 0.00 0.01 0.00 0.01                               PROPANE 0.00 0.03 0.00 0.01 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00                                CYCLO PROPANE 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00                          PROPYLENE 0.00 0.82 0.00 0.46 0.00 0.26 0.00 0.18                              ISO-BUTANE 3.24 3.25 3.47 3.42 3.50 3.35 3.29 3.21                             N-BUTANE 29.63 30.09 23.69 24.46 23.71 24.25 22.97 23.40                       METHYL CYC-PROPANE 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00                     TRANS 2-BUTENE 27.38 16.59 22.30 20.70 22.29 23.27 23.57 25.12                 BUTENE-1 19.39 9.53 33.49 12.06 33.46 13.56 30.83 13.58                        ISOBUTYLENE 0.19 21.81 0.27 21.20 0.27 16.72 0.36 15.16                        CIS 2-BUTENE 19.84 12.12 16.48 15.10 16.50 16.98 18.73 17.98                   1,3 BUTADIENE 0.00 0.01 0.00 0.01 0.00 0.01 0.00 0.01                          HEAVIES (C5+) 0.22 5.62 0.22 2.51 0.20 1.57 0.22 1.35                        __________________________________________________________________________

EXAMPLE 9

    __________________________________________________________________________              CATALYST:           H-FERRIERITE NO. 1                                  CATALYST CHARGE: 97.70 grams                                                   PRESSURE: 24-25 psia                                                           INLET TEMPERATURE: 425° C.                                              WHSV: 14                                                                                 INITIAL                                                                             INITIAL                                                                             FEED @                                                                              EFF @                                                                              FEED @                                                                              EFF @                                                                              FEED @                                                                              EFF @                                FEED EFF 12 HRS 12 HRS 24 HRS 24 HRS 48 HRS 48 HRS                            COMPONENTS wt % wt % wt % wt % wt % wt % wt % wt %                           __________________________________________________________________________       METHANE 0.02 0.04 0.00 0.03 0.02 0.02 0.03 0.02                                ETHANE 0.00 0.01 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00                                 ETHYLENE 0.00 0.04 0.00 0.02 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00                               PROPANE 0.00 0.02 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00                                CYCLO PROPANE 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00                          PROPYLENE 0.00 0.68 0.00 0.29 0.00 0.10 0.00 0.04                              ISO-BUTANE 3.11 3.28 3.02 3.19 3.24 3.14 3.24 3.09                             N-BUTANE 23.09 23.63 23.17 23.37 22.95 23.01 20.35 20.34                       METHYL CYC-PROPANE 0.07 0.01 0.07 0.01 0.06 0.01 0.07 0.01                     TRANS 2-BUTENE 19.81 18.93 20.10 22.42 19.58 26.76 16.43 30.10                 BUTENE-1 38.65 11.80 38.12 14.04 39.25 16.81 48.28 19.22                       ISOBUTYLENE 0.23 24.14 0.25 18.21 0.22 9.38 0.34 4.25                          CIS 2-BUTENE 14.84 14.15 15.06 16.70 14.49 20.01 11.02 22.64                   1,3 BUTADIENE 0.00 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.00 0.01 0.05 0.02                          HEAVIES (C5+) 0.19 3.09 0.20 1.54 0.18 .56 0.18 .09                          __________________________________________________________________________

EXAMPLE 10

    __________________________________________________________________________     CATALYST:            H-FERRIERITE NO. 1                                          CATALYST CHARGE: 97.70 grams                                                   PRESSURE: 17-25 psia                                                           FEED: MTBE processing effluent                                               ISOBUTYLENE YIELD                                                                (grams isobutylene formed per grams normal butenes in feed)                  REACTOR         @ 12                                                                              @ 24                                                                              @ 48                                                                              @ 72                                                                              @ 84                                                                              @ 96                                                                              @ 120                                          INLET TEMP WHSV INITIAL HRS HRS HRS HRS HRS HRS HRS                          __________________________________________________________________________       390° C. 14 29.17 24.91 20.60 13.84                                      400° C. 14 37.50 29.10 27.26 20.16                                      410° C. 14 26.25 27.97 23.06 20.63                                      425° C. 14 32.83 24.77 12.76 5.59                                       400° C.  7  18.37* 14.73 11.51 8.89                                     425° C.  7  30.87** 28.76 23.36 19.04 16.69 16.03 14.64 12.81                                            440° C.  7 35.77 33.79 29.42                                           19.78 13.35 11.03                            __________________________________________________________________________      *1.7 HOURS                                                                     **2.47 HOURS                                                             

    __________________________________________________________________________     % SELECTIVITY                                                                    (grams isobutylene formed per grams normal butenes consumed)                 REACTOR         @ 12                                                                              @ 24                                                                              @ 48                                                                               @ 72                                                                              @ 84                                                                              @ 96                                                                              @ 120                                         INLET TEMP WHSV INITIAL HRS HRS HRS HRS HRS HRS HRS                          __________________________________________________________________________     390° C.                                                                        14  69.46                                                                               80.23                                                                             82.79                                                                             87.75                                                      400° C. 14 68.48 61.89 80.12 83.74                                      410° C. 14 76.20 86.83 89.34 89.37                                      425° C. 14 84.13 89.24 94.16 103.76                                     400° C.  7  52.46* 66.10 70.88 66.12                                    425° C.  7  72.64** 85.97 86.95 90.19 89.05 90.46 96.86 95.00                                             440° C.  7 71.47 91.61 95.06                                           97.86 99.00 99.83                           __________________________________________________________________________      *1.7 HOURS                                                                     **2.47 HOURS                                                             

EXAMPLE 11

    __________________________________________________________________________              CATALYST:           H-FERRIERITE NO. 1                                  CATALYST CHARGE: 97.88 grams                                                   PRESSURE: 17-18 psia                                                           INLET TEMPERATURE: 425° C.                                              WHSV: 7                                                                                  FEED @                                                                              EFF @                                                                               FEED @                                                                              EFF @                                                                              FEED @                                                                              EFF @                                                                              FEED @                                                                              EFF @                                2.5 HRS 2.5 HRS 12 HRS 12 HRS 24 HRS 24 HRS 48 HRS 48 HRS                     COMPONENTS wt % wt % wt % wt % wt % wt % wt % wt %                           __________________________________________________________________________       METHANE 0.07 0.05 0.07 0.03 0.03 0.03 0.05 0.01                                ETHANE 0.00 0.01 0.00 0.02 0.00 0.01 0.00 0.01                                 ETHYLENE 0.00 0.04 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00                               PROPANE 0.00 0.04 0.00 0.01 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00                                CYCLO PROPANE 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00                          PROPYLENE 0.00 0.75 0.00 0.34 0.00 0.23 0.00 0.16                              ISO-BUTANE 2.99 2.87 2.99 2.91 2.94 2.92 3.11 3.00                             N-BUTANE 21.43 21.42 21.43 21.89 21.46 21.80 22.06 22.39                       METHYL CYC-PROPANE 0.06 0.00 0.06 0.00 0.06 0.00 0.07 0.00                     TRANS 2-BUTENE 24.41 19.71 24.41 22.78 24.55 25.15 25.14 26.92                 BUTENE-1 32.61 9.53 32.61 11.09 32.31 12.07 30.25 12.88                        ISOBUTYLENE 0.33 23.47 0.33 21.89 0.35 17.87 0.25 14.40                        CIS 2-BUTENE 17.94 13.86 17.94 16.01 18.13 17.62 19.00 18.80                   1,3 BUTADIENE 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00                          HEAVIES (C5+) 0.16 8.25 0.16 3.03 0.17 2.30 0.07 1.44                        __________________________________________________________________________                          FEED @                                                                              EFF @                                                                              FEED @                                                                              EFF @                                                                              FEED @                                                                              EFF @                                 72 HRS 72 HRS 96 HRS 96 HRS 120 HRS 120 HRS                                   COMPONENTS wt % wt % wt % wt % wt % wt %                                     __________________________________________________________________________       METHANE 0.02 0.01 0.02 0.00 0.02 0.01                                          ETHANE 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00                                           ETHYLENE 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00                                         PROPANE 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00                                          CYCLO PROPANE 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00                                    PROPYLENE 0.00 0.14 0.00 0.11 0.00 0.10                                        ISO-BUTANE 3.29 3.19 3.26 3.21 3.27 3.18                                       N-BUTANE 18.36 18.71 18.56 18.99 18.59 18.85                                   METHYL CYC-PROPANE 0.07 0.00 0.07 0.00 0.07 0.00                               TRANS 2-BUTENE 18.19 29.04 18.48 30.37 18.68 30.74                             BUTENE-1 47.41 13.95 46.61 14.58 46.34 14.86                                   ISOBUTYLENE 0.24 13.24 0.25 11.62 0.24 10.19                                   CIS 2-BUTENE 12.28 20.30 12.60 21.01 12.63 21.59                               1,3 BUTADIENE 0.00 0.00 0.01 0.00 0.01 0.01                                    HEAVIES (C5+) 0.14 1.41 0.14 0.11 0.15 0.47                                  __________________________________________________________________________

EXAMPLE 12

    __________________________________________________________________________     CATALYST:              H-FERRIERITE NO. 1                                        CATALYST CHARGE: 97.70 grams                                                   PRESSURE: 16 psia                                                              INLET TEMPERATURE: 440° C.                                              WHSV: 7                                                                                  FEED @                                                                              EFF @                                                                               FEED @                                                                              EFF @                                                                              FEED @                                                                              EFF @                                         INITIAL INITIAL 12 HRS 12 HRS 24 HRS 24 HRS                                   COMPONENTS wt % wt % wt% wt % wt % wt %                                      __________________________________________________________________________       METHANE 0.07 0.08 0.07 0.04 0.10 0.05                                          ETHANE 0.00 0.04 0.00 0.01 0.00 0.00                                           ETHYLENE 0.00 0.26 0.00 0.04 0.00 0.03                                         PROPANE 0.00 0.17 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00                                          CYCLO PROPANE 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00                                    PROPYLENE 0.00 1.66 0.00 0.36 0.00 0.23                                        ISO-BUTANE 3.44 3.29 3.44 3.38 3.39 3.26                                       N-BUTANE 20.73 20.94 20.73 20.96 21.02 21.25                                   METHYL CYC-PROPANE 0.06 0.00 0.06 0.00 0.06 0.00                               TRANS 2-BUTENE 21.76 16.22 21.76 19.86 22.82 21.71                             BUTENE-1 37.78 9.50 37.78 12.85 35.21 13.94                                    ISOBUTYLENE 0.25 27.20 0.25 25.70 0.25 22.34                                   CIS 2-BUTENE 15.80 11.92 15.80 14.84 17.04 16.18                               1,3 BUTADIENE 0.00 0.01 0.00 0.02 0.00 0.02                                    HEAVIES (C5+) 0.11 8.71 0.11 1.94 0.11 0.99                                  __________________________________________________________________________                 FEED @                                                                              EFF @                                                                              FEED @                                                                              EFF @                                                                              FEED @                                                                              EFF @                                          48 HRS 48 HRS 72 HRS 72 HRS 92 HRS 92 HRS                                     COMPONENTS wt % wt % wt % wt % wt % wt %                                     __________________________________________________________________________       METHANE 0.06 0.01 0.02 0.02 0.08 0.06                                          ETHANE 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.01 0.01                                           ETHYLENE 0.00 0.02 0.00 0.01 0.00 0.01                                         PROPANE 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00                                          CYCLO PROPANE 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00                                    PROPYLENE 0.00 0.12 0.00 0.07 0.00 0.04                                        ISO-BUTANE 3.37 3.21 3.43 3.29 3.33 3.22                                       N-BUTANE 20.71 20.87 20.13 20.22 22.14 22.18                                   METHYL CYC-PROPANE 0.07 0.00 0.07 0.00 0.07 0.00                               TRANS 2-BUTENE 22.29 25.18 20.13 27.47 17.63 27.38                             BUTENE-1 36.62 16.22 41.86 17.79 42.58 18.34                                   ISOBUTYLENE 0.25 15.17 0.25 10.40 0.44 7.83                                    CIS 2-BUTENE 16.52 18.78 14.01 20.48 13.51 20.60                               1,3 BUTADIENE 0.00 0.04 0.00 0.06 0.00 0.07                                    HEAVIES (C5+) 0.11 0.38 0.10 0.19 0.21 0.26                                  __________________________________________________________________________

FIG. 1 is a graph of the conversion and selectivity wt % versus run time depicting the results of this example. FIG. 2 is a graph of isobutylene yield and isobutylene wt % versus run time for the results of this example.

EXAMPLE 13

    __________________________________________________________________________     CATALYST:              H-FERRIERITE NO. 1                                        CATALYST CHARGE: 160.00 grams                                                  PRESSURE: 14.9-15.3 psia                                                       INLET TEMPERATURE: 340° C.                                              WHSV: 4.5                                                                                FEED @                                                                              EFF @                                                                               FEED @                                                                              EFF @                                                                              FEED @                                                                              EFF @                                         3.7 HRS 3.7 HRS 12 HRS 12 HRS 24 HRS 24 HRS                                   COMPONENTS wt % wt % wt % wt % wt % wt %                                     __________________________________________________________________________       METHANE 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.00 0.01 0.01                                          ETHANE 0.00 0.01 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00                                           ETHYLENE 0.00 0.06 0.00 0.02 0.00 0.01                                         PROPANE 0.00 0.14 0.00 0.03 0.00 0.02                                          CYCLO PROPANE 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00                                    PROPYLENE 0.00 1.38 0.00 0.70 0.00 0.53                                        ISO-BUTANE 3.18 3.12 3.18 2.61 3.18 2.65                                       N-BUTANE 23.04 23.6943 23.04 20.90 23.04 20.88                                 METHYL CYC-PROPANE 0.08 0.00 0.08 0.00 0.08 0.00                               TRANS 2-BUTENE 19.59 15.27 19.59 14.93 19.59 16.68                             BUTENE-1 39.77 7.66 39.77 7.80 39.77 8.38                                      ISOBUTYLENE 0.78 24.60 0.78 21.89 0.78 20.47                                   CIS 2-BUTENE 13.29 10.81 13.29 10.95 13.29 11.92                               1,3 BUTADIENE 0.01 0.00 0.01 0.00 0.01 0.00                                    HEAVIES (C5+) 0.00 12.99 0.00 19.92 0.00 18.21                               __________________________________________________________________________                 FEED @                                                                              EFF @                                                                              FEED @                                                                              EFF @                                                                              FEED @                                                                              EFF @                                          36 HRS 36 HRS 48 HRS 48 HRS 70 HRS 70 HRS                                     COMPONENTS wt % wt % wt % wt % wt % wt %                                     __________________________________________________________________________       METHANE 0.01 0.00 0.01 0.00 0.01 0.00                                          ETHANE 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00                                           ETHYLENE 0.00 0.01 0.00 0.01 0.00 0.01                                         PROPANE 0.00 0.01 0.00 0.01 0.00 0.01                                          CYCLO PROPANE 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00                                    PROPYLENE 0.00 0.43 0.00 0.37 0.00 0.28                                        ISO-BUTANE 3.18 2.69 3.18 2.74 3.18 2.88                                       N-BUTANE 23.04 21.30 23.04 21.90 23.04 22.38                                   METHYL CYC-PROPANE 0.08 0.01 0.08 0.00 0.08 0.01                               TRANS 2-BUTENE 19.59 18.56 19.59 20.11 19.59 23.18                             BUTENE-1 39.77 9.35 39.77 10.16 39.77 11.31                                    ISOBUTYLENE 0.78 19.05 0.78 18.20 0.78 15.30                                   CIS 2-BUTENE 13.29 13.26 13.29 14.35 13.29 16.34                               1,3 BUTADIENE 0.01 0.00 0.01 0.00 0.01 0.00                                    HEAVIES (C5+) 0.00 15.10 0.00 11.89 0.00 8.05                                __________________________________________________________________________

FIG. 3 is a graph of the conversion and selectivity wt % versus run time depicting the results of this example. FIG. 4 is a graph of isobutylene yield and isobutylene wt % versus run time for the results of this example.

EXAMPLE 14

    __________________________________________________________________________     CATALYST:               H-FERRIERITE NO. 1                                       CATALYST CHARGE: 400.33 grams                                                  PRESSURE: 14.7-15.3 psia                                                       INLET TEMPERATURE: 370° C.                                              WHSV: 1.8                                                                                FEED @                                                                              EFF @                                                                              FEED @                                                                              EFF @                                                                               FEED @                                                                              EFF @                                         5 HRS 5 HRS 25 HRS 25 HRS 50 HRS 50 HRS                                       COMPONENTS wt % wt % wt % wt % wt % wt %                                     __________________________________________________________________________       METHANE 0.01 0.02 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.01                                          EThANE 0.00 0.03 0.00 0.01 0.00 0.00                                           ETHYLENE 0.00 0.15 0.00 0.04 0.00 0.02                                         PROPANE 0.00 0.33 0.00 0.07 0.00 0.04                                          CYCLO PROPANE 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00                                    PROPYLENE 0.00 2.42 0.00 1.06 0.00 0.80                                        ISO-BUTANE 3.21 3.54 3.21 2.65 3.21 2.60                                       N-BUTANE 23.01 25.82 23.01 20.02 23.01 20.10                                   METHYL CYC-PROPANE 0.08 0.00 0.08 0.00 0.08 0.00                               TRANS 2-BUTENE 19.55 12.57 19.55 11.77 19.55 12.58                             BUTENE-1 39.84 6.00 39.84 5.47 39.84 6.07                                      ISOBUTYLENE 0.79 26.4 0.79 23.45 0.79 24.39                                    CIS 2-BUTENE 13.25 8.74 13.25 8.26 13.25 9.06                                  1,3 BUTADIENE 0.01 0.00 0.01 0.00 0.01 0.00                                    HEAVIES (C5+) 0.00 13.69 0.00 26.98 0.00 24.11                               __________________________________________________________________________                 FEED @                                                                              EFF @                                                                              FEED @                                                                              EFF @                                                                               FEED @                                                                              EFF @                                         75 HRS 75 HRS 100 HRS 100 HRS 147 HRS 147 HRS                                 COMPONENTS wt % wt % wt % wt % wt % wt %                                     __________________________________________________________________________       METHANE 0.01 0.00 0.01 0.00 0.01 0.00                                          ETHANE 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00                                           ETHYLENE 0.00 0.02 0.00 0.01 0.00 0.00                                         PROPANE 0.00 0.02 0.01 0.00 0.00 0.01                                          CYCLO PROPANE 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00                                    PROPYLENE 0.00 0.60 0.00 0.48 0.00 0.36                                        ISO-BUTANE 3.21 2.63 3.21 2.71 3.21 2.96                                       N-BUTANE 23.01 20.61 23.01 21.18 23.01 23.08                                   METHYL CYC-PROPANE 0.08 0.00 0.08 0.00 0.08 0.00                               TRANS 2-BUTENE 19.55 14.05 19.55 15.75 19.55 19.71                             BUTENE-1 39.84 6.76 39.84 7.53 39.84 9.43                                      ISOBUTYLENE 0.79 24.96 0.79 24.69 0.79 23.69                                   CIS 2-BUTENE 13.25 10.05 13.25 11.19 13.25 13.93                               1,3 BUTADIENE 0.01 0.00 0.01 0.00 0.01 0.00                                    HEAVIES (C5+) 0.00 20.07 0.00 16.21 0.00 6.56                                __________________________________________________________________________

EXAMPLE 15

    __________________________________________________________________________     CATALYST:              H-FERRIERITE NO. 1                                        CATALYST CHARGE: 400.06 grams                                                  PRESSURE: 14.7-15.3 psia                                                       INLET TEMPERATURE: 400° C.                                              WHSV: 1.8                                                                                FEED @                                                                              EFF @                                                                               FEED @                                                                              EFF @                                                                              FEED @                                                                              EFF @                                         INITIAL INITIAL 12 HRS 12 HRS 24 HRS 24 HRS                                   COMPONENTS wt % wt % wt % wt % wt % wt %                                     __________________________________________________________________________       METHANE 0.01 0.02 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.00                                          ETHANE 0.00 0.03 0.00 0.01 0.00 0.00                                           ETHYLENE 0.00 0.13 0.00 0.05 0.00 0.01                                         PROPANE 0.00 0.20 0.00 0.05 0.00 0.01                                          CYCLO PROPANE 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00                                    PROPYLENE 0.00 1.72 0.00 1.03 0.00 0.39                                        ISO-BUTANE 3.19 2.47 3.19 2.61 3.19 3.05                                       N-BUTANE 23.06 18.33 23.06 19.82 23.06 23.10                                   METHYL CYC-PROPANE 0.08 0.00 0.08 0.00 0.08 0.00                               TRANS 2-BUTENE 19.59 9.76 19.59 12.2 19.59 21.33                               BUTENE-1 39.71 4.99 39.71 6.30 39.71 7.62                                      ISOBUTYLENE 0.78 19.12 0.78 23.98 0.78 20.56                                   CIS 2-BUTENE 13.32 7.07 13.32 8.71 13.32 13.76                                 1,3 BUTADIENE 0.01 0.00 0.01 0.00 0.01 0.00                                    HEAVIES (C5+) 0.00 35.93 0.00 25.00 0.00 9.90                                __________________________________________________________________________                 FEED @                                                                              EFF @                                                                              FEED @                                                                              EFF @                                                                              FEED @                                                                              EFF @                                          48 HRS 48 HRS 72 HRS 72 HRS 92 HRS 92 HRS                                     COMPONENTS wt % wt % wt % wt % wt % wt %                                     __________________________________________________________________________       METHANE 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.07                                          ETHANE 0.00 0.01 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00                                           ETHYLENE 0.00 0.02 0.00 0.01 0.00 0.01                                         PROPANE 0.00 0.02 0.00 0.01 0.00 0.02                                          CYCLO PROPANE 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00                                    PROPYLENE 0.00 0.60 0.00 0.34 0.00 0.20                                        ISO-BUTANE 3.19 2.95 3.19 2.84 3.19 2.98                                       N-BUTANE 23.06 22.29 23.06 22.67 23.06 22.82                                   METHYL CYC-PROPANE 0.08 0.00 0.08 0.01 0.08 0.01                               TRANS 2-BUTENE 19.59 15.49 19.59 18.51 19.59 21.88                             BUTENE-1 39.71 7.76 39.71 9.80 39.71 11.24                                     ISOBUTYLENE 0.78 27.99 0.78 25.08 0.78 20.39                                   CIS 2-BUTENE 13.32 10.93 13.32 13.22 13.32 15.51                               1,3 BUTADIENE 0.01 0.00 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.01                                    HEAVIES (C5+) 0.00 11.69 0.00 7.24 0.00 4.70                                 __________________________________________________________________________

EXAMPLE 16

    __________________________________________________________________________     CATALYST:                H-FERRIERITE NO. 2                                      CATALYST CHARGE: 97.75 grams                                                   PRESSURE: 18.7 psia                                                            INLET TEMPERATURE: 430° C.                                              WHSV: 7                                                                                  FEED @                                                                              EFF @                                                                               FEED @                                                                              EFF @                                                                               FEED @                                                                              EFF @                                        2.4 HRS 2.4 HRS 12 HRS 12 HRS 24 HRS 24 HRS                                   COMPONENTS wt % wt % wt % wt % wt % wt %                                     __________________________________________________________________________       METHANE 0.02 0.03 0.02 0.02 0.01 0.02                                          ETHANE 0.00 0.03 0.00 0.01 0.00 0.01                                           ETHYLENE 0.00 0.21 0.00 0.09 0.00 0.07                                         PROPANE 0.00 0.11 0.00 0.03 0.00 0.02                                          CYCLO PROPANE 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00                                    PROPYLENE 0.00 1.79 0.33 1.04 0.00 0.80                                        ISO-BUTANE 2.91 2.73 2.91 2.80 2.90 2.81                                       N-BUTANE 27.81 27.04 27.81 28.10 27.82 28.27                                   METHYL CYC-PROPANE 0.07 0.01 0.07 0.01 0.07 0.00                               TRANS 2-BUTENE 21.51 11.35 21.51 14.62 21.50 15.13                             BUTENE-1 31.37 7.67 31.37 8.58 31.36 8.83                                      ISOBUTYLENE 0.50 24.86 0.50 27.55 0.49 28.24                                   CIS 2-BUTENE 15.62 9.55 15.62 10.59 15.65 10.23                                1,3 BUTADIENE 0.00 0.01 0.00 0.01 0.00 0.00                                    HEAVIES (C5+) 0.01 12.58 0.01 6.35 0.00 4.67                                 __________________________________________________________________________        FEED @ EFF @ FEED @ EFF @ FEED @ EFF @                                         48 HRS 48 HRS 72 HRS 72 HRS 96 HRS 96 HRS                                     COMPONENTS wt % wt % wt % wt % wt % wt %                                     __________________________________________________________________________       METHANE 0.00 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.01                                          ETHANE 0.00 0.01 0.00 0.01 0.00 0.01                                           ETHYLENE 0.01 0.05 0.00 0.04 0.00 0.04                                         PROPANE 0.00 0.01 0.00 0.01 0.00 0.01                                          CYCLO PROPANE 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00                                    PROPYLENE 0.00 0.61 0.00 0.51 0.00 0.44                                        ISO-BUTANE 2.89 2.78 2.90 2.80 2.82 2.72                                       N-BUTANE 27.86 28.34 27.87 28.41 27.91 28.50                                   METHYL CYC-PROPANE 0.07 0.01 0.08 0.01 0.08 0.01                               TRANS 2-BUTENE 21.58 15.54 21.56 15.85 21.66 16.17                             BUTENE-1 31.20 9.07 31.25 9.27 31.02 9.46                                      ISOBUTYLENE 0.48 28.56 0.50 28.60 0.49 28.37                                   CIS 2-BUTENE 15.71 11.26 15.65 11.46 15.84 11.67                               1,3 BUTADIENE 0.00 0.01 0.00 0.01 0.00 0.01                                    HEAVIES (C5+) 0.01 3.53 0.00 2.90 0.00 2.41                                  __________________________________________________________________________

FIG. 5 is a graph of the conversion and selectivity wt % versus run time depicting the results of this example. FIG. 6 is a graph of isobutylene yield and isobutylene wt % over run time for the results of this example. Surprisingly, the isobutylene yields achieved with this pressed powder catalyst were better than the yields resulting from the same catalyst with binder run at similar isomerizing conditions; see, e.g., Example 11.

EXAMPLE 17

    __________________________________________________________________________                  CATALYST:                 H-FERRIERITE NO. 5                        CATALYST CHARGE: 75.71 grams                                                   PRESSURE: 14.7-15.1 psia                                                       INLET TEMPERATURE: 430° C.                                              WHSV: 7                                                                                  FEED @                                                                              EFF @                                                                               FEED @                                                                              EFF @                                                                               FEED @                                                                              EFF @                                                                               FEED @                                                                              EFF @                                                                               FEED @                                                                               EFF @                   2.4 HRS 2.4 HRS 12 HRS 12 HRS 24 HRS 24 HRS 36 HRS 36 HRS 48 HRS 48                                                                   HRS                    COMPONENTS wt % wt % wt % wt % wt % wt % wt % wt % wt % wt %                 __________________________________________________________________________       METHANE 0.00 0.03 0.00 0.01 0.00 0.01 0.00 0.01 0.00 0.00                      ETHANE 0.00 0.04 0.00 0.02 0.00 0.01 0.00 0.01 0.00 0.00                       ETHYLENE 0.00 0.60 0.00 0.14 0.00 0.05 0.00 0.02 0.00 0.01                     PROPANE 0.00 0.48 0.00 0.09 0.00 0.02 0.00 0.01 0.00 0.00                      CYCLO PROPANE 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00                                                                         PROPYLENE 0.01                                                                9.29 0.01 3.84                                                                 0.01 1.64 0.01                                                                 0.67 0.01 0.34                                                                  ISO-BUTANE                                                                    3.27 3.43 3.25                                                                 3.21 3.25 3.16                                                                 3.24 3.09 3.24                                                                 3.07                   N-BUTANE 19.70 18.33 19.73 19.79 19.73 19.83 19.73 19.81 19.73 19.62                                                                    METHYL                                                                        CYC-PROPANE                                                                    0.08 0.00 0.08                                                                 0.01 0.08 0.01                                                                 0.08 0.01 0.08                                                                 0.01                   TRANS 2-BUTENE 18.60 8.08 16.68 14.68 16.68 17.82 18.76 21.29 18.76                                                                    23.84                  BUTENE-1 46.17 4.47 46.04 8.19 46.04 9.96 45.95 12.15 45.95 13.84                                                                       ISOBUTYLENE                                                                   0.90 14.29 0.88                                                                24.23 0.88                                                                     25.53 0.88                                                                     21.82 0.88                                                                     17.90                  CIS 2-BUTENE 10.99 5.81 11.07 10.53 11.07 12.76 11.10 15.30 11.10 17.19        1,3 BUTADIENE 0.06 0.01 0.06 0.01 0.06 0.01 0.06 0.01 0.06 0.02                                                                         HEAVIES (C5+)                                                                 0.00 34.95 2.01                                                                15.08 2.01 8.95                                                                0.00 5.59 0.00                                                                 3.93                 __________________________________________________________________________

EXAMPLE 18

    __________________________________________________________________________     CATALYST:              H-FERRIERITE NO. 3                                        CATALYST CHARGE: 75.71 grams                                                   PRESSURE: 14.6-15.2 psia                                                       INLET TEMPERATURE: 430° C.                                              WHSV: 7                                                                                  FEED @                                                                              EFF @                                                                               FEED @                                                                              EFF @                                                                              FEED @                                                                              EFF @                                         3.3 HRS 3.3 HRS 12 HRS 12 HRS 24 HRS 24 HRS                                   COMPONENTS wt % wt % wt % wt % wt % wt %                                     __________________________________________________________________________       METHANE 0.00 0.03 0.01 0.03 0.02 0.03                                          ETHANE 0.00 0.03 0.00 0.03 0.00 0.02                                           ETHYLENE 0.00 0.27 0.00 0.17 0.00 0.12                                         PROPANE 0.00 0.14 0.00 0.07 0.00 0.04                                          CYCLO PROPANE 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00                                    PROPYLENE 0.00 2.56 0.00 1.71 0.00 1.25                                        ISO-BUTANE 2.84 2.95 2.83 2.88 2.85 2.90                                       N-BUTANE 27.97 28.96 27.98 28.83 27.98 28.67                                   METHYL CYC-PROPANE 0.08 0.01 0.08 0.01 0.08 0.01                               TRANS 2-BUTENE 21.61 13.66 21.59 14.42 21.58 14.86                             BUTENE-1 30.90 7.77 30.91 8.33 30.95 8.59                                      ISOBUTYLENE 0.51 25.60 0.50 27.04 0.50 28.39                                   CIS 2-BUTENE 15.87 9.82 15.89 10.41 15.84 10.72                                1,3 BUTADIENE 0.00 0.01 0.00 0.01 0.00 0.01                                    HEAVIES (C5+) 0.00 08.01 0.00 5.88 0.00 4.73                                 __________________________________________________________________________        FEED @ EFF @ FEED @ EFF @ FEED @ EFF @                                         48 HRS 48 HRS 72 HRS 72 HRS 96 HRS 96 HRS                                     COMPONENTS wt % wt % wt % wt % wt % wt %                                     __________________________________________________________________________       METHANE 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.01                                          ETHANE 0.00 0.02 0.00 0.01 0.00 0.01                                           ETHYLENE 0.00 0.07 0.00 0.05 0.00 0.03                                         PROPANE 0.00 0.02 0.00 0.01 0.00 0.01                                          CYCLO PROPANE 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00                                    PROPYLENE 0.00 0.80 0.00 0.55 0.00 0.36                                        ISO-BUTANE 2.82 2.82 2.84 2.84 2.80 2.82                                       N-BUTANE 27.97 28.92 27.94 28.51 27.96 28.46                                   METHYL CYC-PROPANE 0.07 0.01 0.08 0.01 0.08 0.01                               TRANS 2-BUTENE 21.59 15.58 21.60 15.84 21.63 16.61                             BUTENE-1 30.90 9.07 30.95 9.29 30.82 9.81                                      ISOBUTYLENE 0.51 28.94 0.51 28.80 0.51 27.98                                   CIS-2-BUTENE 15.91 11.21 15.88 11.53 15.96 12.10                               1,3 BUTADIENE 0.00 0.01 0.00 0.01 0.00 0.01                                    HEAVIES (C5+) 0.01 2.32 0.00 2.36 0.00 1.61                                  __________________________________________________________________________

EXAMPLE 19

    __________________________________________________________________________     CATALYST:              H-FERRIERITE NO. 4                                        CATALYST CHARGE: 97.73 grams                                                   PRESSURE: 14.7-15.2 psia                                                       INLET TEMPERATURE: 430° C.                                              WHSV: 7                                                                                  FEED @                                                                              EFF @                                                                               FEED @                                                                              EFF @                                                                              FEED @                                                                              EFF @                                         3.3 HRS 3.3 HRS 12 HRS 12 HRS 24 HRS 24 HRS                                   COMPONENTS wt % wt % wt % wt % wt % wt %                                     __________________________________________________________________________       METHANE 0.02 0.03 0.02 0.01 0.02 0.01                                          ETHANE 0.00 0.02 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00                                           ETHYLENE 0.00 0.22 0.00 0.05 0.00 0.03                                         PROPANE 0.00 0.08 0.00 0.01 0.00 0.00                                          CYCLO PROPANE 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00                                    PROPYLENE 0.00 2.13 0.00 0.72 0.00 0.35                                        ISO-BUTANE 3.20 3.02 3.20 3.06 3.20 3.03                                       N-BUTANE 23.0 22.44 23.0 22.88 23.0 22.96                                      METHYL CYC-PROPANE 0.08 0.01 0.08 0.01 0.08 0.01                               TRANS 2-BUTENE 19.5 14.43 19.5 16.52 19.5 17.07                                BUTENE-1 39.90 8.84 39.90 9.67 39.90 10.00                                     ISOBUTYLENE 0.80 26.54 0.80 29.41 0.80 30.08                                   CIS 2-BUTENE 13.20 10.78 13.20 12.02 13.20 12.43                               1,3 BUTADIENE 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.01                                    HEAVIES (C5+) 0.00 11.21 0.00 5.37 0.00 3.74                                 __________________________________________________________________________        FEED @ EFF @ FEED @ EFF @ FEED @ EFF @                                         48 HRS 48 HRS 72 HRS 72 HRS 96 HRS 96 HRS                                     COMPONENTS wt % wt % wt % wt % wt % wt %                                     __________________________________________________________________________       METHANE 0.02 0.01 0.02 0.01 0.02 0.02                                          ETHANE 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00                                           ETHYLENE 0.00 0.02 0.00 0.02 0.00 0.02                                         PROPANE 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00                                          CYCLO PROPANE 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00                                    PROPYLENE 0.00 0.22 0.00 0.16 0.00 0.13                                        ISO-BUTANE 3.20 3.06 3.20 3.04 3.20 3.07                                       N-BUTANE 23.0 22.88 23.0 22.82 23.0 22.87                                      METHYL CYC-PROPANE 0.08 0.01 0.08 0.01 0.08 0.01                               TRANS 2-BUTENE 19.5 17.31 19.50 17.44 19.50 17.79                              BUTENE-1 39.90 10.47 39.90 10.63 39.90 10.80                                   ISOBUTYLENE 0.08 29.88 0.08 29.64 0.08 29.34                                   CIS 2-BUTENE 13.20 12.68 13.20 12.83 13.20 13.01                               1,3 BUTADIENE 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.01                                    HEAVIES (C5+) 0.00 3.18 0.00 3.12 0.00 2.68                                  __________________________________________________________________________

EXAMPLE 20

    __________________________________________________________________________     CATALYST:              H-FERRIERITE NO. 6                                        CATALYST CHARGE: 97.7 grams                                                    PRESSURE: 14.7-15.3 psia                                                       INLET TEMPERATURE: 430° C.                                              WHSV: 7                                                                                  FEED @                                                                              EFF @                                                                               FEED @                                                                              EFF @                                                                              FEED @                                                                              EFF @                                         4.5 HRS 4.5 HRS 9 HRS 9 HRS 12 HRS 12 HRS                                     COMPONENTS wt % wt % wt % wt % wt % wt %                                     __________________________________________________________________________       METHANE 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.01                                          ETHANE 0.00 0.01 0.00 0.01 0.00 0.01                                           ETHYLENE 0.00 0.11 0.00 0.09 0.00 0.08                                         PROPANE 0.00 0.13 0.00 0.10 0.00 0.08                                          CYCLO PROPANE 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00                                    PROPYLENE 0.00 1.47 0.00 1.39 0.00 1.24                                        ISO-BUTANE 3.20 2.09 3.20 2.28 3.20 2.21                                       N-BUTANE 23.04 16.06 23.04 17.72 23.04 17.39                                   METHYL CYC-PROPANE 0.08 0.00 0.08 0.01 0.08 0.00                               TRANS 2-BUTENE 19.53 9.13 19.53 10.54 19.53 10.56                              BUTENE-1 39.76 4.52 39.76 5.29 39.76 5.29                                      ISOBUTYLENE 0.80 17.34 0.80 19.95 0.80 19.84                                   CIS 2-BUTENE 13.32 6.50 13.32 7.52 13.32 7.57                                  1,3 BUTADIENE 0.01 0.00 0.01 0.00 0.01 0.00                                    HEAVIES (C5+) 0.00 42.45 0.00 34.89 0.00 35.52                               __________________________________________________________________________        FEED @ EFF @ FEED @ EFF @ FEED @ EFF @                                         16 HRS 16 HRS 21 HRS 21 HRS 26 HRS 26 HRS                                     COMPONENTS wt % wt % wt % wt % wt % wt %                                     __________________________________________________________________________       METHANE 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.01                                          ETHANE 0.00 0.01 0.00 0.01 0.00 0.01                                           ETHYLENE 0.00 0.07 0.00 0.07 0.00 0.06                                         PROPANE 0.00 0.08 0.00 0.07 0.00 0.06                                          CYCLO PROPANE 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00                                    PROPYLENE 0.00 1.24 0.00 1.22 0.00 1.17                                        ISO-BUTANE 3.20 2.39 3.20 2.50 3.20 2.57                                       N-BUTANE 23.04 18.23 23.04 19.40 23.04 .20                                     METHYL CYC-PROPANE 0.08 0.00 0.08 0.00 0.08 0.00                               TRANS 2-BUTENE 19.53 11.24 19.53 12.14 19.53 12.67                             BUTENE-1 39.76 5.70 39.76 6.18 39.76 6.46                                      ISOBUTYLENE 0.80 21.19 0.80 22.78 0.80 23.71                                   CIS 2-BUTENE 13.32 8.03 13.32 8.65 13.32 9.07                                  1,3 BUTADIENE 0.01 0.00 0.01 0.00 0.01 0.00                                    HEAVIES (C5+) 0.00 31.62 0.00 26.77 0.00 23.98                               __________________________________________________________________________

EXAMPLE 21A

    ______________________________________                                         CATALYST:      SAPO-11 (Provided by Union Carbide                                 Corporation)                                                                  CATALYST CHARGE: 400 grams                                                     INLET TEMPERATURE: 300° C.                                              PRESSURE: 17-20 psia                                                           WHSV: 1-2                                                                                        EFF @     EFF @   EFF @                                       FEED 1.5 HRS 4.7 HRS 16.0 HRS                                                 COMPONENTS wt % wt % wt % wt %                                               ______________________________________                                         METHANE    0.00     0.01      0.00    0.00                                       ETHANE 0.00 0.01 0.00 0.00                                                     ETHYLENE 0.00 0.08 0.03 0.01                                                   PROPANE 0.00 0.31 0.08 0.01                                                    CYCLO PROPANE 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00                                              PROPYLENE 0.00 2.14 1.66 0.35                                                  ISO-BUTANE 2.61 3.66 2.15 2.93                                                 N-BUTANE 26.28 17.34 15.78 20.83                                               METHYL CYC- 0.06 0.00 0.00 0.00                                                PROPANE                                                                        TRANS 2-BUTENE 13.61 3.32 8.01 20.84                                           BUTENE-1 48.67 1.44 3.62 10.23                                                 ISOBUTYLENE 0.42 6.05 10.12 5.93                                               CIS 2-BUTENE 6.90 2.29 5.71 14.88                                              1,3 BUTADIENE 1.26 0.00 0.00 0.06                                              HEAVIES (C5+) 0.18 63.35 52.85 23.92                                         ______________________________________                                    

EXAMPLE 21B

    ______________________________________                                         CATALYST:        SAPO-11 (REGENERATED)*                                          CATALYST CHARGE: 97.70 grams                                                   PRESSURE: 27 psia                                                              WHSV: 15                                                                                             EFF @     EFF @                                            400° C. & 4 410° C. & 13                                         HRS HRS                                                                      COMPONENTS FEED wt % wt % wt %                                               ______________________________________                                         METHANE       0.00      0.01      0.00                                           ETHANE 0.01 0.01 0.01                                                          ETHYLENE 0.86 0.80 0.92                                                        PROPANE 0.00 0.00 0.00                                                         CYCLO PROPANE 0.00 0.00 0.00                                                   PROPYLENE 0.12 2.07 0.81                                                       ISO-BUTANE 0.00 0.19 0.08                                                      N-BUTANE 0.04 0.94 0.70                                                        METHYL CYC-PROPANE 0.00 0.00 0.00                                              TRANS 2-BUTENE 57.88 30.26 36.47                                               BUTENE-1 10.74 16.51 19.31                                                     ISOBUTYLENE 0.00 15.85 11.10                                                   CIS 2-BUTENE 30.26 21.79 26.61                                                 1,3 BUTADIENE 0.01 0.13 0.16                                                   HEAVIES (C5+) 0.08 11.44 3.83                                                ______________________________________                                          *The SAPO11 catalyst was regenerated by heating it to 500° C. in a      muffle furnace.                                                          

Examples 22-24 show experimental results using the larger pore hydrogen mordenite. In comparison, Examples 25 and 26 show experimental results reflecting improved results of isobutylene selectivities using the smaller pore magnesium mordenite.

EXAMPLE 22

    ______________________________________                                         CATALYST:        HYDROGEN MORDENITE                                              CATALYST CHARGE: 97.70 grams                                                   PRESSURE: 22-26 psia                                                           WHSV: 15                                                                                          EFF @       EFF @                                             0.3 HRS & 327° 2.6 HRS & 347°                                  COMPONENTS FEED wt % C. wt % C. wt %                                         ______________________________________                                         METHANE    0.00      0.00        0.01                                            ETHANE 0.01 0.02 0.02                                                          ETHYLENE 0.86 0.76 1.11                                                        PROPANE 0.00 0.09 0.03                                                         CYCLO PROPANE 0.00 0.00 0.00                                                   PROPYLENE 0.12 1.97 1.79                                                       ISO-BUTANE 0.00 0.35 0.19                                                      N-BUTANE 0.04 1.04 1.10                                                        METHYL CYC- 0.00 0.00 0.00                                                     PROPANE                                                                        TRANS 2-BUTENE 57.88 25.20 32.40                                               BUTENE-1 10.74 14.39 18.12                                                     ISOBUTYLENE 0.00 2.51 1.17                                                     CIS 2-BUTENE 30.26 18.12 23.60                                                 1,3 BUTADIENE 0.01 0.00 0.00                                                   HEAVIES (C5+) 0.08 35.56 20.48                                               ______________________________________                                    

EXAMPLE 23

    ______________________________________                                         CATALYST:        HYDROGEN MORDENITE                                              CATALYST CHARGE: 97.70 grams                                                   PRESSURE: 17-19 psia                                                           WHSV: 14                                                                                        @ 3     @ 5    @ 7   @ 8.6                                      HRS & HRS & HRS & HRS &                                                       FEED 400° C. 405° C. 423° C. 419° C.                                                     COMPONENTS wt % wt % wt % wt %                                                wt %                                   ______________________________________                                         METHANE    0.04    0.03    0.03   0.03  O.03                                     ETHANE 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00                                                ETHYLENE 0.00 0.01 0.00 0.00 0.00                                              PROPANE 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00                                               CYCLO PROPANE 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00                                         PROPYLENE 0.00 0.41 0.30 0.26 0.23                                             ISO-BUTANE 3.29 3.24 3.26 3.24 3.25                                            N-BUTANE 21.09 21.04 21.02 21.02 21.04                                         METHYL CYC- 0.06 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00                                           PROPANE                                                                        TRANS 2-BUTENE 23.64 30.91 31.56 31.41 31.64                                   BUTENE-1 34.13 17.48 17.22 17.77 17.74                                         ISOBUTYLENE 0.25 1.57 1.28 1.28 1.15                                           CIS 2-BUTENE 17.39 22.44 22.68 22.77 22.86                                     1,3 BUTADIENE 0.00 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.01                                         HEAVIES (C5+) 0.10 2.87 2.65 2.22 2.05                                       ______________________________________                                    

EXAMPLE 24

    ______________________________________                                         CATALYST:       M-8 HYDROGEN MORDENITE                                           CATALYST CHARGE: 97.70 grams                                                   PRESSURE: 23-29 psia                                                           WHSV: 15                                                                                        EFF @ 0.1 HRS                                                                               EFF @ 5.0 HRS                                     FEED & 317° C. & 224° C.                                        COMPONENTS wt % wt % wt %                                                    ______________________________________                                         METHANE    0.00    0.00         0.00                                             ETHANE 0.01 0.02 0.01                                                          ETHYLENE 0.86 0.82 0.76                                                        PROPANE 0.00 0.19 0.02                                                         CYCLO PROPANE 0.00 0.00 0.00                                                   PROPYLENE 0.12 1.33 1.30                                                       ISO-BUTANE 0.00 0.46 0.15                                                      N-BUTANE 0.04 1.12 0.75                                                        METHYL CYC- 0.00 0.00 0.00                                                     PROPANE                                                                        TRANS 2-BUTENE 57.88 30.06 32.86                                               BUTENE-1 10.74 14.28 18.95                                                     ISOBUTYLENE 0.00 2.22 1.05                                                     CIS 2-BUTENE 30.26 21.11 23.16                                                 1,3 BUTADIENE 0.01 0.00 0.00                                                   HEAVIES (C5+) 0.08 28.38 20.99                                               ______________________________________                                    

EXAMPLE 25

    ______________________________________                                         CATALYST:         MAGNESIUM-MORDENITE                                            CATALYST CHARGE: 96 grams                                                      PRESSURE: 26-32 psia                                                           INLET TEMPERATURE: 320° C.                                              WHSV: 15                                                                                FEED    EFF @ 0.2 HRS                                                                               EFF @ 2.0 HRS                                    COMPONENTS wt % wt % wt %                                                    ______________________________________                                         METHANE    0.00    0.00         0.01                                             ETHANE 0.01 0.04 0.05                                                          ETHYLENE 0.86 0.44 1.08                                                        PROPANE 0.00 0.00 0.00                                                         CYCLO PROPANE 0.00 0.00 0.00                                                   PROPYLENE 0.12 0.96 2.04                                                       ISO-BUTANE 0.00 0.19 0.25                                                      N-BUTANE 0.04 0.67 0.85                                                        METHYL CYC- 0.00 0.00 0.00                                                     PROPANE                                                                        TRANS 2-BUTENE 57.88 30.05 36.57                                               BUTENE-1 10.74 6.25 19.97                                                      ISOBUTYLENE 0.00 10.59 3.38                                                    CIS 2-BUTENE 30.26 20.87 29.71                                                 1,3 BUTADIENE 0.01 0.00 0.00                                                   HEAVIES (C5+) 0.08 29.94 6.09                                                ______________________________________                                    

EXAMPLE 26

    ______________________________________                                         CATALYST:         MAGNESIUM MORDENITE                                            CATALYST CHARGE: 97.73 grams                                                   PRESSURE: 19-20 psia                                                           INLET TEMPERATURE: 348° C.                                              WHSV: 15                                                                     COMPONENTS FEED wt % EFF @ 0.2 HRS                                                                              EFF @ 2.6 HRS                                 ______________________________________                                         METHANE    0.00      0.01        0.00                                            ETHANE 0.01 0.02 0.01                                                          ETHYLENE 0.86 0.12 0.13                                                        PROPANE 0.00 0.00 0.00                                                         CYCLO PROPANE 0.00 0.00 0.00                                                   PROPYLENE 0.12 2.16 1.19                                                       ISO-BUTANE 0.00 0.28 0.12                                                      N-BUTANE 0.04 0.79 0.69                                                        METHYL CYC- 0.00 0.00 0.00                                                     PROPANE                                                                        TRANS 2-BUTENE 57.88 32.24 38.09                                               BUTENE-1 10.74 18.79 19.54                                                     ISOBUTYLENE 0.00 4.47 2.29                                                     CIS 2-BUTENE 30.26 22.52 27.25                                                 1,3 BUTADIENE 0.01 0.00 0.00                                                   HEAVIES (C5+) 0.08 18.60 10.69                                               ______________________________________                                    

The following Examples 27-29 show experimental results of isopentene conversion using a 1-pentene feed. The testing apparatus and procedure were the same as described earlier for the n-pentene stream.

EXAMPLE 27

    ______________________________________                                         CATALYST:    H-FERRIERITE NO. 1                                                  CATALYST CHARGE: 30 grams of extrudate diluted to 240 cc with                   alundum                                                                       PRESSURE: 1 atm                                                                FEED: 1-pentene                                                              Sample Start Time                                                                          1.7 hrs 3.2 hrs   4.8 hrs                                                                              6.2 hrs                                      Sample Stop Time 2.3 hrs 3.7 hrs 5.3 hrs 7.4 hrs                               WHSV (1/hr) 7.1 7.1 7.1 4.0                                                    Average Temp 416° C. 401° C. 430° C. 430°        ______________________________________                                                                             C.                                         C4-         7.6     8.9       8.1   10.3                                         3-methyl-1-butene 3.6 4.0 4.1 2.9                                              trans-2-pentene 13.4 12.9 13.5 13.9                                            2-methyl-2-butene 42.1 41.1 40.6 41.0                                          1-pentene 4.3 4.3 4.7 3.7                                                      2-methyl-1-butene 20.4 20.9 21.3 18.9                                          cis-2-pentene 6.8 6.5 7.0 7.6                                                  C6+ 1.8 1.4 0.7 1.7                                                            isoamylenes 62.5 62.0 61.9 59.9                                                (2m1b + 2m2b)                                                                ______________________________________                                    

EXAMPLE 28

    ______________________________________                                         CATALYST:    H-FERRIERITE NO. 1                                                  CATALYST CHARGE: 30 grams of extrudate diluted to 240 cc with                   alundum                                                                       PRESSURE: 1 atm                                                                FEED: 1-pentene                                                              Sample Start Time                                                                          1.3 hrs 2.9 hrs   3.8 hrs                                                                              4.7 hrs                                      Sample Stop Time 1.6 hrs 3.2 hrs 4.1 hrs 5.0 hrs                               WHSV (1/hr) 10.0 13.0 16.0 10.0                                                Average Temp 417° C. 416° C. 414° C. 421°        ______________________________________                                                                             C.                                         C4-         7.5     2.6       1.9   5.3                                          3-methyl-1-butene 4.3 3.3 2.9 4.5                                              trans-2-pentene 13.2 14.6 14.9 13.9                                            2-methyl-2-butene 41.3 45.8 47.0 42.3                                          1-pentene 4.6 4.4 4.3 4.8                                                      2-methyl-1-butene 21.6 21.1 20.4 21.8                                          cis-2-pentene 6.8 7.5 7.7 6.9                                                  C6+ 0.9 0.6 0.9 0.6                                                            isoamylenes 62.9 66.9 67.4 64.1                                                (2m1b + 2m2b)                                                                ______________________________________                                    

EXAMPLE 29

    ______________________________________                                         CATALYST:    H-FERRIERITE NO. 1                                                  CATALYST CHARGE: 10 grams of extrudate diluted to 240 cc with                   alundum                                                                       PRESSURE: 1 atm                                                                FEED: 1-pentene                                                              Sample Start Time                                                                          1.1 hrs 2.4 hrs   3.4 hrs                                                                              4.3 hrs                                      Sample Stop Time 1.8 hrs 3.1 hrs 3.9 hrs 4.7 hrs                               WHSV (1/hr) 16.0 19.0 22.0 25.0                                                Average Temp 421° C. 422° C. 421° C. 421°        ______________________________________                                                                             C.                                         C4-         3.3     5.5       2.3   1.3                                          3-methyl-1-butene 2.6 4.1 3.2 3.0                                              trans-2-pentene 15.1 14.4 16.5 17.1                                            2-methyl-2-butene 46.9 42.3 44.2 44.4                                          1-pentene 4.2 5.0 5.5 5.7                                                      2-methyl-1-butene 19.2 21.2 20.2 19.3                                          cis-2-pentene 7.8 7.3 8.2 8.8                                                  C6+ 1.0 0.2 0.1 0.5                                                            isoamylenes 66.1 63.5 64.4 63.7                                                (2m1b + 2m2b)                                                                ______________________________________                                         5.1 hrs                                                                              18.6 hrs  24.0 hrs                                                                               30.7 hrs                                                                               37.4 hrs                                                                             50.1 hrs                                   5.7 hrs 18.9 hrs 24.4 hrs 30.9 hrs 37.8 hrs 50.5 hrs                           16.0 16.0 16.0 16.0 16.0 16.0                                                  414° C. 414° C. 414° C. 415° C. 415°                                            C. 414° C.                        ______________________________________                                         2.6   1.2       1.3     0.7     1.0   0.8                                        3.3 2.8 3.0 2.5 2.4 2.3                                                        15.7 18.2 20.3 22.7 24.0 26.8                                                  44.7 42.7 38.8 35.9 33.8 24.3                                                  5.3 6.3 8.2 9.6 11.1 19.6                                                      20.3 18.5 18.1 16.6 15.4 12.6                                                  8.1 9.4 10.3 11.5 12.1 13.7                                                    0.1 0.9 0.0 0.3 0.0 0.0                                                        65.0 61.2 56.9 52.5 49.2 36.9                                                ______________________________________                                    

Schematic Flow Chart

FIG. 7 depicts a flow scheme for producing an alkyl-tert-alkyl-ether, particularly methyl-tert-butyl-ether (MTBE) by means of first isomerizing n-butene to isobutylene, separating out an isobutylene stream for further processing to produce MTBE. In the flow scheme, a hydrocarbon stream containing butylene is charged to an isomerization zone 4, via conduit 2. The hydrocarbon stream can be charged continuously. As the butylene feed enters the isomerization zone, it is preferentially vaporized to a gaseous phase. The isomerization zone 4 contains an isomerizing catalyst, preferably the hydrogen form of ferrierite. The isomerization zone is further maintained at isomerizing conditions so as to maximize the structural isomerization of butylene to isobutylene. The effluent from the isomerization zone 4 containing isobutylene is passed through conduit 6 to a separation zone 8. Optionally, the isomerizing catalyst can be regenerated in the isomerization zone 4.

The separation zone 8 is maintained under conditions sufficient to maximize separation of isobutylene from the lighter olefins, ethylene and propylene, and from the heavier olefins, aromatics and paraffins. The separation zone 8 can employ various means known in the art to effect separation of light, medium and heavy olefins, aromatics or paraffins. For example, the zone may comprise a series of adsorbent beds comprising molecular sieves as described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,717,784 and 4,210,771, incorporated herein by reference. Or the separation zone may conveniently separate the light, medium and heavy fractions by distillation using processes well known in the art. The lighter olefins, ethylene and propylene, and lighter paraffins are removed via conduit 10. The higher paraffins and olefins, C₅ and above, and aromatics are removed via conduit 12. The butylene fraction, comprising isobutylene, is removed from the separation zone via conduit 14 to an MTBE reaction zone 16 containing an etherification catalyst. Thereafter, methanol is fed into the MTBE reaction zone 16 via conduit 18. The MTBE reaction process can be carried out in any one of a number of ways, such as for example taught by U.S. Pat. No. 4,876,394, incorporated herein by reference. The MTBE effluent 20 is recovered preferably as a bottoms product and the unreacted butene/isobutylene stream is recovered and recycled via conduit 22 to the butylene feed at conduit 2.

Additional advantages and modifications will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art. The invention in its broader aspects is therefore not limited to the specific details or representative examples described. Accordingly, departures may be made from the detail without departure from the spirit or scope of the disclosed general inventive concept. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A method for the structural isomerization of linear olefins selected from the group consisting of linear C₄ -olefins, linear C₅ -olefins, and mixtures thereof in the presence of contaminant diolefins to corresponding isoolefins of the same carbon number which comprises(a) contacting an organic feedstock containing linear olefins selected from the group consisting of linear C₄ -olefins, linear C₅ -olefins, and mixtures thereof with a catalyst comprising a member selected from the group consisting of H-ferrierite and the hydrogen form of ZSM-35; and (b) under structural isomerization conditions wherein said conversion is carried out at:(1) temperatures between 250° C. and 650° C.; (2) weight hourly space velocities (WHSV) based on linear C₄ -C₅ -olefins in said feedstock between about 1.0 and about 50 WHSV; (3) linear C₄ -C₅ -olefin partial pressures from about 0.5 atm. to about 10 atm.; and (4) in the presence of hydrogen added in an amount sufficient to enhance linear C₄ -C₅ -olefin conversion and extend the catalyst life of the catalyst relative to operation without any hydrogen added.
 2. The method of claim 1 wherein the molar ratio of said hydrogen to said linear olefins selected from the group consisting of linear C₄ -olefins, linear C₅ -olefins, and mixtures thereof is greater than 0 and up to about 30:1.
 3. The method of claim 1 in which said catalyst is the hydrogen form of ZSM-35.
 4. The method of claim 1 wherein said catalyst is H-ferrierite.
 5. The method of claim 1 wherein said organic feed-stock contains from about 0.01 wt. % to about 0.06 wt. % of diolefins.
 6. The method of claim 1 wherein said organic feedstock comprises a member selected from the group consisting of C₄ -FCC product, C₅ -FCC product, and mixtures thereof.
 7. The method of claim 1 wherein said organic feedstock comprises a member selected from the group consisting of C₄ -effluent from an MTBE etherification process, C₅ -effluent from a TAME etherification process, and mixtures thereof.
 8. The method of claim 1 wherein said catalyst comprises an inorganic oxide binder.
 9. The method of claim 8 wherein said catalyst comprises a silica binder.
 10. A method for the structural isomerization of linear C₄ -olefins in the presence of contaminant diolefins to corresponding isoolefins of the same carbon number which comprises:(a) contacting an organic feedstock containing a linear C₄ -olefin with a catalyst comprising a member selected from the group consisting of H-ferrierite and the hydrogen form of ZSM-35; and (b) under structural isomerization conditions wherein said conversion is carried out at:(1) temperatures between about 250° C. and 650° C.; (2) weight hourly space velocities (WHSV) based on linear C₄ -olefins in said feedstock between about 1 and about 50 WHSV; (3) linear C₄ -olefin partial pressures from about 0.5 atm. to about 10 atm.; and (4) in the presence of hydrogen added in an amount sufficient to enhance C₄ -olefin conversion and extend the catalyst life of the catalyst relative to operation without any hydrogen added.
 11. The method of claim 10 wherein the molar ratio of said hydrogen to said linear C₄ -olefin is greater than 0 and up to about 30:1.
 12. The method of claim 10 wherein said catalyst is H-ferrierite.
 13. The method of claim 10 wherein said catalyst is the hydrogen form of ZSM-35.
 14. The method of claim 10 wherein said organic feedstock contains from 0.01 wt. % to 0.06 wt. % of 1,3-butadiene.
 15. The method of claim 10 wherein said organic feedstock comprises a C₄ -FCC product.
 16. The method of claim 10 wherein said organic feedstock comprises a C₄ -effluent from an MTBE etherification process.
 17. The method of claim 10 wherein said catalyst comprises an inorganic oxide binder.
 18. The method of claim 17 wherein said catalyst comprises a silica binder.
 19. A method for the structural isomerization of linear C₅ -olefins in the presence of contaminant diolefins to corresponding isoolefins of the same carbon number which comprises:(a) contacting an organic feedstock containing a linear C₅ -olefin with a catalyst comprising a member selected from the group consisting of H-ferrierite and the hydrogen form of ZSM-35; and (b) under structural isomerization conditions wherein said conversion is carried out at:(1) temperatures between about 250° C. and 650° C.; (2) weight hourly space velocities (WHSV) based on linear C₅ -olef ins in said feedstock between about 1.0 and about 50 WHSV; (3) linear C₅ -olefin partial pressures from about 0.5 atm. to about 10 atm.; and (4) in the presence of hydrogen added in an amount sufficient to enhance linear C₅ -olefin conversion and extend the catalyst life of the catalyst relative to operation without any hydrogen added.
 20. The method of claim 19 wherein the molar ratio of said hydrogen to said linear C₅ -olefin is greater than 0 and up to about 30:1.
 21. The method of claim 19 wherein said catalyst is H-ferrierite.
 22. The method of claim 19 wherein said catalyst is the hydrogen form of ZSM-35.
 23. The method of claim 19 wherein said organic feedstock contains from about 0.01 wt. % to about 0.06 wt. % diolefins.
 24. The method of claim 19 wherein said organic feedstock comprises a C₅ -FCC product.
 25. The method of claim 19 wherein said organic feed-stock comprises C₅ -effluent from a TAME etherification process.
 26. The method of claim 19 wherein said catalyst comprises an inorganic oxide binder.
 27. The method of claim 26 wherein said catalyst comprises a silica binder. 